Philippines defence chief rebukes China over South China Sea note in Seoul

The unexpected intervention came as Teodoro was discussing maritime security and the importance of following international law at the Seoul Defence Dialogue on Tuesday. He read the note aloud before challenging China’s rejection of a key international ruling on the disputed waters.

The note was reportedly passed to a forum staff member by a Chinese military attaché based at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, who then asked that it be given to Teodoro.

The staff member apparently mistook it for a message from the Philippine delegation and handed it to Teodoro while he was speaking.