Philippine Defence Chief Limits Military Talks With Beijing Over Scarborough Shoal

Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr said Manila will maintain only limited military communication channels with Beijing and ruled out broader engagement unless China changes its conduct around Scarborough Shoal and other contested areas. Teodoro made the statement after he and military chiefs met President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr for a command conference late on Tuesday.

“Carefully controlled communications are necessary, but negotiations and other activities are not possible, unfortunately, because of the lack of good faith on their part and a lack of respect for our territorial integrity,” he told reporters.

The Philippine defence and armed forces attache in Beijing, Navy Captain Arnold Fortin, and his staff had been recalled to Manila for consultations. Teodoro told Rappler the recall formed part of a process of re-establishing and readjusting postings under a new engagement framework. A Chinese coastguard vessel was photographed patrolling near Scarborough Shoal in May.