Teodoro doubts China's sincerity on SCS COC talks

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. expressed doubt about Beijing's intentions regarding negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS), saying that while China claims to be committed to dialogue, it is only they who believe their statements.

Teodoro reiterated his skepticism during an interview on Monday, emphasizing that meaningful dialogue requires actions rather than just words.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning maintained that the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable due to joint efforts with ASEAN countries, despite President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.’s call for urgency in COC negotiations.

Marcos urged for more urgency in the pace of COC negotiations and highlighted unresolved core elements such as geographic scope and legal nature during the recent 27th ASEAN-China Summit in Laos.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez commended President Marcos for raising China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea at the summit.

Rodriguez also criticized Russia for blocking an ASEAN statement expressing concern over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, alleging that this was motivated by self-interest and gratitude for Beijing’s backing of Russia's military operation in Ukraine.