Teodoro doubts China's sincerity in SCS Code

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. doubts China's intention to negotiate and conclude a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.

- By PIA LEE-BRAGO

He questioned yesterday China's sincerity to negotiate for a code to manage the South China Sea disputes peacefully as Beijing continues its island-building and militarization activities.

"Right now, I don't. Honestly speaking, I do not see that," Teodoro told reporters.

"And the President also echoed that in saying that we cannot turn a blind eye on what is happening in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea," he said.

President Marcos called for urgency from Southeast Asian leaders and China at the ASEAN Summit in Laos on Friday to speed up negotiations on a COC, while accusing Beijing of harassment and intimidation.

"Well, they (China) are committed to dialogue but they are the only ones believing in what they are saying, that's the problem," Teodoro said.