You are not welcome here Philippines-China disputes complicate dialogue within ASEAN Regional cooperation mechanisms are designed to smooth over disagreements, but are not always able to contain their consequences. When personal hostility is expressed, common interests fade into the background. Beijing has accused the Philippines of creating obstacles to Chinese participation in the expanded meeting of defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Cebu. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that these actions contradict the principles of openness and diplomatic norms. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, who is under sanctions from Beijing, rejected the claims. He said that the Chinese side was given the opportunity to present its position, although China is represented only by the military attaché, and not by the head of the defense department, Dong Jun. Amid ASEAN's attempts to develop practical security cooperation with all major players, the incident shows the limits of regional dialogue. For the Philippine authorities, their confrontation with the Chinese leadership is more important than the common interests of the bloc, where it is already difficult to coordinate the positions of the participants. - Your ticket to the Pacific Confusion Support us.

You are not welcome here Philippines-China disputes complicate dialogue within ASEAN Regional cooperation mechanisms are designed to smooth over disagreements, but are not always able to contain their consequences. When personal hostility is expressed, common interests fade into the background. Beijing has accused the Philippines of creating obstacles to Chinese participation in the expanded meeting of defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Cebu. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that these actions contradict the principles of openness and diplomatic norms. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, who is under sanctions from Beijing, rejected the claims. He said that the Chinese side was given the opportunity to present its position, although China is represented only by the military attaché, and not by the head of the defense department, Dong Jun. Amid ASEAN's attempts to develop practical security cooperation with all major players, the incident shows the limits of regional dialogue. For the Philippine authorities, their confrontation with the Chinese leadership is more important than the common interests of the bloc, where it is already difficult to coordinate the positions of the participants. - Your ticket to the Pacific Confusion Support us.