Teodoro: ‘Only China believes’ Phl provokes trouble, increases tension in SCS

LA UNION—Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. refuted Beijing's allegations that the Philippines is one the provoking trouble and increasing tension in the South China Sea.

In a media interview at the sidelines of an event in La Union, Teodoro lambasted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin's accusation that "Philippines is heightening tensions in the SCS and is attempting to change the current status of Ren'ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal)."

"My response to that is that only China believes in what they are saying. [The] truth and in fact, no country in the world, none—supports unequivocally their claim to the whole of the South China Sea," Teodoro told reporters.

The defense chief's remarks came after Wang claimed that the Philippines "has been breaching the common understandings with China and it is the Philippines who has on every occasion courted external forces to put pressure on China."

In response, Teodoro said. "On the Philippine side, a lot of them is supporting our sovereignty, jurisdiction, and sovereign rights over the exclusive economic zone and other areas in our territorial jurisdiction."

"And no country in the world, none to this time, has condemned the Philippines to what it's doing. That's the best proof of what I said," he added.

Teodoro was pertaining to a series of backing from the Philippines' allies after China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels had repeatedly blocked, harassed, rammed and water cannoned the vessels in the WPS, particularly in the Ayungin shoal.

Among the countries that have extended support to the Philippines are the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.