Philippine politicians blocked its participation in ASEAN defence meeting, says China

China’s Ministry of Defence has accused the Philippines of allowing individual politicians to place “numerous obstacles” in the way of China’s participation in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, which the Chinese defence minister did not attend.

Responding to a question at a regular press briefing on Thursday (29 October), Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said the Philippines, as this year’s chair, had allowed individual politicians to “act recklessly and misuse public office, placing numerous obstacles in the way of China’s participation”.

He said this seriously undermined ASEAN’s principle of consensus, gravely violated the meeting’s spirit of openness and inclusiveness, breached basic diplomatic etiquette and harmed China’s legitimate member rights.

He did not name the politicians concerned, but said most ASEAN countries had questioned and opposed these actions.

Zhang said that, against this backdrop, China had nonetheless decided to send a representative to the meeting, demonstrating its firm support for ASEAN centrality and its responsible approach to regional defence and security cooperation.

He criticised the Philippines for acting unilaterally, holding ASEAN hostage and stirring up trouble. He said these actions would undermine the meeting’s reputation and the unity and mutual trust among ASEAN countries, ultimately harming the fundamental interests of the Philippines, other countries in the region and their people.

The defence attaché at the Chinese embassy in the Philippines represented China at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu on Thursday. This marked a clear downgrade in China’s representation from last year, when Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun attended.

Separately, Reuters reported that Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Thursday that ASEAN countries do not share the view of China’s defence ministry on China’s participation in a regional defence forum, adding that no country has the right to characterise ASEAN processes.

How ASEAN countries are heard is for ASEAN to determine, and the important fact is China was able to articulate their position, he said.