May 5, 2024 - In a bold move, the Department of National Defense (DND) of the Philippines has issued a statement condemning what it calls “devious machinations” by China. The statement, released by Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., categorically denies any involvement of the DND in a so-called “new model” purportedly being advanced by China.
The statement comes in the wake of the recent SQUAD meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, where China’s actions were condemned. Secretary Teodoro has made it clear that he has disallowed any contact between the DND and the Chinese Embassy since his assumption of office in July last year.
The DND has also refuted claims of a “gentleman’s agreement” or “new model” discussed during a courtesy call by Ambassador Huang Xilian, terming it contrary to the Chinese Embassy’s pronouncements.
In a stern warning, Secretary Teodoro said, “This charade must stop.” He further emphasized that the statement was issued to generate awareness about China’s attempts to “advance another falsehood in order to divide our people and distract us from their unlawful presence and actions in our EEZ.”
The DND has urged citizens, the media, and the international community to be wary of China’s methods of manipulation, interference, and malign influence in furthering its own interests.
For more information, visit the official website of the Department of National Defense at dnd.gov.ph.