MANILA – Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro has warned that China has a clear interest in interfering with the upcoming Philippine elections, citing its historical and ideological motivations.
In a media interview, Teodoro asserted that China’s attempts at meddling are “obvious” and part of a long-standing agenda. “That’s in their DNA,” he said, referencing the country’s revolutionary origins and Mao Zedong’s goal of spreading revolution globally.
He noted that such interference isn’t unique to China but also comes from non-state rogue actors. Still, he emphasized that China conducts operations described as “united front works” through a dedicated government arm, deploying tactics that are “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive.”
His remarks follow earlier claims by National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, who told the Senate that there were signs of Chinese involvement in the 2025 midterm elections.
China has denied the allegations. Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated in a press conference, “China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. We have no interest in interfering in Philippine elections.”
Despite Beijing’s denial, Teodoro maintained his stance, framing China’s actions as a continuation of its ideological mission to exert influence abroad.