LAPU-LAPU CITY — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday asserted Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member states’ authority over the bloc’s processes after China accused the Philippines of undermining the regional grouping.
“So far as Asean is concerned, I do not believe our Asean member countries feel that way. If not, they would have let me know. So it is China’s position, it is not Asean’s position,” Teodoro said at a press briefing after the 13th Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
He was responding to a question about a Chinese defense ministry statement accusing the Philippines of undermining Asean’s spirit and China’s legitimate rights as a dialogue partner.