Manila, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reportedly supports Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s move to suspend the communication channel with the People’s Republic of China.
The AFP assured that it would continue its mandate to patrol the seas and airspace as part of its Maritime Domain Awareness efforts.
The AFP also stated it would proceed with rotational resupply (RORE) missions for troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas Shoal).
It further affirmed that the Philippine flag would continue to be flown within the country’s maritime domain.
AFP Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad emphasized that such engagement must be anchored in mutual trust and sincerity, in accordance with international law.
He noted that bilateral dialogues remain effective only when messages align with actual conduct at sea, in the air, and on land.
This stance stems from the view that China allegedly uses direct communication channels merely as a smokescreen to sustain its illegal presence, aggressive actions, and deceptive messaging—both at sea and on the ground.
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Manila confirmed that Teodoro had shut down the communication channel between the Philippines and China.
However, the embassy claimed this move was intended to cast blame on China and advance the military’s position in the disputed territory.
The embassy further asserted that the Secretary took this action to serve his own political interests.