Manila, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has strongly refuted China’s statement on the ongoing 41st iteration of the Balikatan exercises.
Teodoro responded to Beijing’s accusations regarding the explosion of a vessel and the alleged dumping of garbage in Ayungin Shoal, and warned that the Philippines, the United States and Japan are demonstrating activities that cause conflict through Balikatan.
Teodoro boldly responded to China’s statement, saying that all of China’s accusations were not proven when the Philippines filed the case at the arbitral tribunal.
The secretary also challenged Beijing, saying that whenever proof of fair trial is required under international law, Beijing don’t want to anymore.
Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad earlier said that the statement of the Chinese embassy in Manila regarding the activity will not affect the Balikatan Exercises.
Trinidad stressed that the Philippines’ activities, including those of its allies, will not be deterred, based on the mandate that the Armed Forces of the Philippines must be prepared to be ready for any contingency.
In a statement on Wednesday, China said that the way Manila is acting to undermine the China-Philippines relationship.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News