China accused a “self-serving” Philippine politician of obstructing its participation in the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, prompting Beijing to send only its Manila-based defense attaché.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang claimed Manila abused its chairmanship and violated the forum’s consensus-based process.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. rejected the accusation, saying China’s position did not represent the views of ASEAN member countries.
China’s lower-level representation marked a departure from previous meetings, where Beijing typically sent its defense minister.
Teodoro maintained that China’s participation was subject to the forum’s rules and limitations, while the Philippines allowed Beijing to express its views during the meeting.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 30, 2026
