DND chief calls China hypocrite over WPS claims

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro labeled China as "insincere" and a "hypocrite" following Beijing's accusation that the grounded BRP Sierra Madre is damaging the marine environment in the West Philippine Sea.

Teodoro countered that it is China that has caused significant environmental damage through its illegal reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

He cited China's violation of international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which recognized the harm caused by their actions to the marine ecosystem.

The Defense Secretary accused China of spreading "disingenuous propaganda lies" to mask its own environmental violations.

Teodoro stated that China's actions and statements only serve to increase mistrust from the Filipino people and the global community.

This exchange comes after China's foreign ministry spokesperson urged the Philippines to remove the BRP Sierra Madre, calling it an "illegally grounded warship."