The Department of National Defense (DND) has sharply criticized the Chinese Embassy’s latest statement regarding Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s recent remarks, calling Beijing’s response evasive and an implied admission of fault.
DND Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong issued the statement reacting to Beijing’s commentary, which followed an exchange between Secretary Teodoro and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
“The Chinese Embassy’s response does not contain any answers. Instead, it is full of questions and rhetoric,” Asec. Andolong said, characterizing Beijing’s posture as a “classic example of evasiveness and a badge of deception.”
Andolong noted that in legal practice, such evasive tactics serve as an implied admission of culpability, asserting that China’s refusal to directly address the issues undermines its standing.
“They cannot hide behind their disingenuous misinformation,” Andolong added, reaffirming the defense department’s stance against diplomatic distraction.
With a firm declaration of national resolve and defiance, Andolong said, “Di tayo pasisiil!” (We will not allow ourselves to be oppressed!)