CAMP AGUINALDO, QUEZON CITY — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has backed Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.’s choice to sever direct military communications with China, stating that Beijing’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea are what truly drive the risk of miscalculation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, the military establishment expressed full support for the Department of National Defense (DND).
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad explained that the termination of ties—enacted after Teodoro took office in July 2023—stemmed from years of unproductive engagement amid persistent provocations by Chinese forces.
“The DND’s decision to suspend military-to-military communication channels with PRC, three years ago, was based on experience and the consistent failure of these mechanisms to produce meaningful results amid continued provocative and irresponsible actions by their People’s Liberation Army and China Coast Guard,” Trinidad said.
“Upholding the Constitution and safeguarding our sovereign rights is a duty incumbent upon every Filipino. United as one nation, the Filipino people and the AFP will continue to defend our territorial integrity,” he added.
The military’s response follows a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila on October 12, which blamed Teodoro for closing communication lines “for political self interests” and warned that the freeze risks escalating tensions.
Ret. Col. Roy Vincent Trinidad, an AFP spokesperson, dismissed Beijing’s accusations. He argued that past dialogue mechanisms were merely employed as a front for unlawful maritime activities.
“The direct communications have been used as a smokescreen by the Chinese Communist Party to perpetuate their illegal presence, coercive and aggressive actions and deceptive messaging not only on our maritime domain but even on land,” he stated.
Addressing claims that the severed lines heighten danger, Trinidad emphasized that aggressive behavior is the real root cause of potential conflict.
“The risk of miscalculations is brought about by coercive and aggressive actions, not messages,” Trinidad said.
The military also pointed to recent provocations, such as the monitoring of Chinese survey vessels, a fighter jet encounter on October 3, an intrusion near Kota Island on October 9, and reported activity at Hubo Reef, to demonstrate why continued distrust persists.