Gibo dares China: “Do what you want” as diplomatic word war escalates

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has challenged China to do what it wants amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea, including reports that China is considering possible sanctions against Filipino lawmakers critical of its actions.

According to a report by the Manila Standard, Teodoro criticized the reported countermeasures and challenged Beijing amid the intensifying exchange of statements between Philippine and Chinese officials.

The dispute has also involved Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, who drew criticism from Manila after saying China could easily win a confrontation if it chose to use force, although he stressed that Beijing preferred peace.

The remarks came after Teodoro described China as a regional “troublemaker” over its actions in the disputed waters.

On October 19, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned Jing to convey the Philippine government's “serious concern” and “strong objection” to his remarks, which Manila considered provocative and unacceptable. The DFA said the statements did not help improve understanding between the two countries and stressed that sensitive issues should be addressed through established diplomatic channels.

China defended its ambassador and described the Philippine government's response as an overreaction. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also urged Manila to restrain what Beijing called irresponsible statements and actions by individual politicians, saying improved bilateral relations would benefit both countries. China's embassy separately maintained that Jing's remarks had been selectively quoted and overinterpreted.

Background of the word war

The latest diplomatic dispute is part of a broader and longstanding disagreement over competing claims in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, which covers maritime areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, while the Philippines and several other countries maintain overlapping maritime claims. Manila has repeatedly accused Chinese vessels of aggressive actions and interference with Philippine activities in waters the country considers part of its maritime entitlements. Beijing, for its part, insists that it is enforcing its sovereignty and maritime laws.

Tensions have intensified in recent years following repeated confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels, particularly around disputed features such as Ayungin Shoal, where the Philippine military maintains a presence aboard the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.

The latest exchange of statements comes amid continued efforts by the Philippines to strengthen defense cooperation with the United States and other security partners, a move opposed by Beijing.

Despite the increasingly sharp rhetoric, both governments face pressure to manage their differences through diplomatic engagement and prevent verbal disputes from escalating into more serious confrontations at sea.