Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded angrily to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro’s statement that China is the “biggest disruptor of peace” in Southeast Asia.
Secretary Teodoro made the remark during his speech at the 35th Indo-Pacific International Military Law and Operations Conference.
Lin countered by asserting that China is the last country that would disturb peace in the region.
He also accused the Philippines of initiating provocations that disrupt and destroy peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
China’s statement comes despite its continued harassment of Philippine vessels navigating within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea. In addition to targeting Philippine ships, Chinese vessels have also consistently harassed Filipino fishermen in traditional fishing grounds within the contested waters.
The Indo-Pacific International Military Law and Operations Conference is an annual event that brings together military legal professionals, operational commanders, and experts from the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The conference focuses on discussing legal and operational challenges related to military activities in the region, with an emphasis on international law, maritime security, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution.
The conference serves as a platform for participants to share knowledge, best practices, and strategies to address the complex legal issues that arise in military operations.
It also fosters collaboration among military forces and legal experts to ensure that operations within the Indo-Pacific are conducted in accordance with international law, promoting peace and stability in the region.
The conference typically features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops on a wide range of topics relevant to military law and operations.