Key facts
- Beijing condemned remarks by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
- China stated the remarks damaged bilateral trust and showed ingratitude for Chinese aid.
- China's foreign ministry urged Manila to prevent 'a few clowns' from sabotaging bilateral ties.
- The comments were made on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
China has strongly condemned remarks made by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., asserting that these comments have seriously damaged bilateral trust and demonstrated a lack of gratitude for Chinese aid. The Chinese foreign ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, calling on Manila to take measures to prevent 'a few clowns' from undermining bilateral relations through repeated 'political theatrics'. This exchange occurs amidst strained relations between the two neighboring countries. Teodoro's remarks were made during an interview on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, following recent tensions where China had accused him of ingratitude after he reiterated that China posed a 'severe threat' despite offering aid. Taiwan had previously welcomed Teodoro's statements on closer cooperation, indicating a potential strategic alignment that could further complicate regional dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.