Philippine Defense Chief Addresses South China Sea Ruling and Regional Security at Shangri-La Dialogue
Gilberto Teodoro Jr. spoke at the May 31, 2026, Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, describing the Philippines as a convergence point in a fragmented Indo-Pacific while criticizing China over the 2016 Arbitral Award.
nbcnews.comPhilippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told participants at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday, May 31, 2026, that the Philippines serves as a point of convergence in an increasingly fragmented Indo-Pacific. The annual defense summit, held in Singapore, brings together defense ministers, military leaders, policymakers, and security experts to address regional security challenges.
Teodoro also criticized China for refusing to recognize the 2016 Arbitral Award and raised concerns over alleged espionage and influence activities in the Philippines and other countries. Rappler reported that China sent only a delegation of military officers and scholars to the 2026 summit rather than high-level defense officials. The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia’s premier defense summit.
Teodoro spoke during the final panel of the event.
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