Teodoro fires back at Chinese note during Seoul defense forum

NATIONAL

SEOUL, South Korea — Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. strongly pushed back against a note from the Chinese side during the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) 2026 on Tuesday, September 8, after China reiterated its rejection of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling.

Teodoro was discussing maritime security and the importance of observing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) when a forum staff member handed him a note from the audience.

Reports said the note came from a Chinese military attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul and contained Beijing’s position on the South China Sea arbitration.

The note reportedly reiterated China’s claim that the 2016 arbitral ruling was illegal, invalid and non-binding, and that the decision allegedly violated principles of international law.

Teodoro read portions of the note aloud before the audience and challenged the arguments presented by the Chinese side.

“So what you're saying is UNCLOS violates international law? That's what you mean,” Teodoro said while reacting to the note.

When the note reiterated China’s rejection of the arbitral ruling, Teodoro responded: “Of course, because you lost.”

The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague found that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the so-called nine-dash line. China has repeatedly rejected the ruling.

Teodoro also criticized the manner in which the note was delivered while he was speaking at the international security forum.

He said the act was disrespectful not only to international law but also to South Korea, which hosted the event, and to the other participants.

Teodoro described the move as an example of “actual coercion, bullying and aggression” and called for greater “basic decency and behavior.”

In Filipino, he told the Chinese side: “Magpakadisente naman kayo nang konti, mahiya naman kayo nang konti.” — roughly, “Please show a little more decency and have some shame.”

Teodoro also said he would keep the note as a “memento,” describing it as an indication of China’s position on the arbitration issue.

The Seoul Defense Dialogue 2026 was held from September 7 to 9 in Seoul, bringing together defense officials, military leaders and security experts to discuss regional and global security issues, including maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Teodoro’s remarks came amid continuing tensions between the Philippines and China over competing maritime claims in the South China Sea.

During his visit to Seoul, Teodoro also emphasized the importance of strengthening defense cooperation between the Philippines and its allies and partners as the country faces evolving security challenges in the region.