Gibo doubts China vow on nuke-free Southeast Asia

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. expressed doubts yesterday over China’s sincerity in taking the lead in establishing Southeast Asia as a nuclear weapons-free zone.

“They have the largest nuclear asenal. So they should denuclearize first or allow the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and multinational inspectors to take a look so we may see if they are truly sincere with this,” Teodoro told journalists in Filipino.

He said China should first allow itself to be inspected, considering how it refused international studies or investigations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teodoro noted that China has a big trust and credibility deficit, as various countries – such as Switzerland – most recently discovered espionage activities, which China has denied.

“These initiatives of theirs – willing to take the lead, becoming mediators – it’s just for show since they’re not displaying any good faith. They have a huge trust and credibility deficit. There is a huge lack of trust in them. Not only among Filipinos, but also the entire world and their own people who they are suppressing,” he said.

International support on West Philippine Sea

Teodoro said the United States along with Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and European countries support the Philippines on the issue of the West Philippine Sea.

He said the reason why the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is now strongly pushing for a code of conduct is because of China’s actions.

Asked about how China sanctioned former senator Francis Tolentino for being vocal against China, Teodoro said he does not care if China does the same to him.

“Senator Tolentino said it was a ‘badge of honor.’ So, for any evidence brought against them, that’s (China’s) reaction. Instead of answering the accusations against them based on evidence, that’s what they do,” he said.