Philippines vs China at Seoul Forum | South Korea News

South Korea News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 8, 2026 · 1m

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stunned attendees at a Seoul security forum when he publicly read a note from China’s Embassy disputing the 2016 UNCLOS ruling on the South China Sea — a move Teodoro slammed as “desperate and ineffective,” accusing Beijing of bullying and rejecting international law. The note, allegedly penned by China’s defense attaché, claimed the ruling violates international norms — a stance China has long rejected. Teodoro’s bold response, delivered while holding up the note, turned a diplomatic moment into a fiery confrontation, raising questions about…