Philippine defense chief criticizes China's South China Sea claims

The Philippine defense chief has strongly criticized China's claims in the South China Sea, calling them "the biggest fiction and lie." He stated that no Southeast Asian country would accept these claims. His comments come amid rising tensions and recent incidents involving Chinese forces in a disputed area known as the Scarborough Shoal. On Monday, the Philippine coast guard reported that a Chinese military helicopter had monitored a Philippine lightplane during a routine patrol over Scarborough. Additionally, Chinese forces have set up a floating barrier to block Filipino fishermen from accessing a lagoon in the area. Chinese officials have not responded to these allegations. In the past, they have insisted that they have historical rights over the Scarborough Shoal and most of the South China Sea. However, an international arbitration panel ruled in 2016 that China’s extensive claims are invalid, a decision that Beijing has ignored. During a speech marking the anniversary of the Philippine military's Western Command, Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emphasized the need for a stronger national defense and closer relations with allied countries to counter China's actions. He also mentioned that countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) do not recognize China's so-called "10-dash line," which defines their territorial claims. Teodoro criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping, labeling him and his leadership style as responsible for Beijing's aggressive policies. He stated that this attitude could damage Xi's own standing within the Communist Party and the goodwill established by previous leaders. In light of these tensions, the Philippines is strengthening its military alliances. A visiting forces agreement with New Zealand is set to be signed next month, and negotiations with Canada are nearly complete. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is also beginning discussions for a similar agreement with France. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to meet with Teodoro on Friday in Manila. Their discussions will focus on concerns about China's actions in the region and ways to reinforce the long-standing U.S.-Philippines alliance.