The Chinese Embassy in Manila has strongly criticized Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., calling his recent remarks an “unjust accusation” rooted in ideological bias and a Cold War mentality.
The embassy’s statement came after Teodoro defended the deployment of the U.S. Typhon missile system in the Philippines, which aims to bolster the country’s maritime security. Beijing has opposed this move since Philippine Army Chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido revealed plans to acquire the missile system.
“We firmly oppose and strongly condemn such a statement… based on bloc confrontation and the Cold War mentality,” the Chinese Embassy declared, adding that Teodoro’s remarks were “unprofessional and ludicrous.”
Teodoro, in turn, asserted that deploying U.S. missile assets in the context of joint exercises was “legitimate, legal, and beyond reproach.” He also urged China to cease its aggressive actions, abide by international law, and withdraw its illegal presence from the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Chinese Embassy accused Teodoro of habitually attacking China, obstructing bilateral military exchanges, and acting in an “unconstructive way.” The statement questioned Teodoro’s motivations, asking, “For whom is he acting in such a way?”
China reiterated its call for the Philippines to remove the Typhon missile system and avoid further “wrong paths,” emphasizing its position that peace and prosperity—not missile systems—should define the region.
The U.S. Typhon system, also known as the Strategic Mid-Range Fires System (SMRF), is designed to launch Standard SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles.
As of this writing, the Philippine government has not issued a response to China’s remarks.