Teodoro criticizes China for lack of transparency on nuclear weapons

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dismissed China's readiness to lead a nuclear weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia as meaningless without transparency and disarmament.

Teodoro urged China to denuclearize or allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and multinational inspectors to prove its sincerity, emphasizing that Beijing has a 'deficit of trust and credibility' due to its aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

The Defense chief also criticized China's sanctions against Senator Francis Tolentino, who was barred from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao for alleged 'egregious conduct' on China-related issues.

Teodoro stressed that despite China’s willingness to sign the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty, it remains skeptical of Beijing's intentions without concrete actions.

The Philippines continues to receive strong support from various nations including the United States, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and European countries, which helps amplify its sovereign claims in the region.