China lambasts Philippine defense chief over remarks about Chinese ‘threat’

Philippine defense ‌chief ⁠Gilberto Teodoro: China remains a “severe threat” with no show of long-term good faith

Chinese ‌foreign ministry says Teodoro’s remarks demonstrate he is “solely driven by personal interests”

June 02, 2026 07:47

BEIJING: ‌China accused the Philippine defense chief of having no gratitude for key Chinese commodities and of using issues about people’s livelihoods for political showmanship, after remarks about China ‌being a ‌threat.Philippine Defense ‌Secretary ⁠Gilberto Teodoro told ⁠Reuters on Saturday that China remains a “severe threat” with no show of long-term good faith despite Beijing ⁠recently offering fertilizer and ‌fuel ‌during war-related shortages.The Chinese ‌foreign ministry said ‌those remarks demonstrated that Teodoro is “solely driven by personal interests” and had disregarded the ‌well-being of the population.“If such individuals ⁠are ⁠allowed to act as they please, how will China continue to provide aid and supplies to the Philippines?” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters at a Tuesday briefing.