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CLASH OF NARRATIVES: PHILIPPINES VS CHINA AT THE SEOUL DEFENSE DIALOGUE 2025 |

At the Seoul Defense Dialogue 2025, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. delivered a strong message: sovereignty and security must stand on international law and unity with allies.

When a Chinese delegate dismissed the arbitral ruling, painted China as a “peace-loving” nation, and attacked alliances as “Cold War blocs,” Teodoro’s reply cut sharp:
“China had the golden opportunity if they had joined the arbitration… But they chose not to—maybe because they feared they might lose.”

This was more than words—it was a stand for Filipino dignity, fisherfolk’s safety, OFW protection, and peace in our region. From the Battle of Yultong to the West Philippine Sea, Filipino valor endures across generations. Share this video to show the world: Alliances protect communities. Sovereignty is non-negotiable.

#WestPhilippineSea #RuleOfLaw #StandWithPH #SeoulDefenseDialogue2025

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Transcript
00:00You had your golden opportunity if you joined the arbitration, and you would have told the
00:05whole world your position, but you chose not to. Maybe you would have lost.
00:10At the Seoul Defense Dialogue 2025, two opposing voices collided,
00:15one grounded in law and principle, the other in denial and distraction.
00:21This year's dialogue was a global stage for peace and security.
00:25For the Philippines, it was proof of being a responsible partner
00:28committed to inclusive security. For China, it became a platform to reframe its actions
00:34and undermine our sovereignty.
00:37First of all, China is a peace-loving country. China is not a war-mongering country.
00:44Imagine, look at, since the end of the Cold War, how many wars China was involved in the world.
00:51You had your golden opportunity if you joined the arbitration,
00:55and you would have told the whole world your position, but you chose not to.
01:00All right.
01:00Maybe you would have lost.
01:03Thank you, Secretary Taylor.
01:06Very insightful for this.
01:08China tried to paint alliances as militarization, but for Filipinos, alliances mean safer seas for fisherfolk,
01:16stronger protection for OFWs, and dignity for every community.
01:21The Japan-Philippines Mutual Access Agreement strengthens training and defense,
01:26not to provoke, but to protect.
01:29The world saw the difference.
01:31China's words aimed to deflect and divide.
01:34The Philippines stood firm, anchored on law, history, and unity with allies.
01:39From Yuletong to the West Philippine Sea, Filipino valor endures across generations.
01:46Alliances protect communities, not escalate conflict.
01:51Stand with the Philippines, share this message,
01:54and show the world that sovereignty, peace, and dignity are non-negotiable.
01:58For the latest maritime updates, be sure to follow us on Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
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