Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr met with top military officials on Tuesday, October 13, to discuss updates on priority initiatives concerning the Armed Forces of the Philippines’s enlisted personnel. Official handout.
Manuel Mogato | October 14, 2026
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed full support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro after the Chinese embassy criticized him for suspending military-to-military communications between Manila and Beijing.
In a statement, the military backed the defense department’s directive to stop direct military contacts because the mechanisms produced no results, and instead, Chinese activities in the disputed waters increased.
Retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, a military spokesman, said meaningful dialogue between the two neighbors would work if China’s actions were sincere. (Also read: Teodoro accuses China of “interference” in Philippine affairs)
“Bilateral dialogue will be effective if the messages match the actions on sea, air, and ground,” Trinidad said.
Trinidad said communication mechanisms between China and the Philippines must be grounded in mutual trust, sincerity and respect for international law.
But he accused the Chinese Communist Party of using direct communication channels as a “smokescreen” for its activities in the Philippines’ maritime domain.
Responding to the Chinese embassy’s criticism, Teodoro said he had suspended the military-to-military communication with China nearly three years ago because it failed to stop China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous (ICAD) activities within the Philippines’ maritime zone.
Chinese fighters and warships got involved around Bajo de Masinloc to intimidate the Philippine maritime law enforcement agency.
Beijing also ignored the Philippines’ diplomatic protests and blamed Secretary Teodoro for escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement on Monday, the Chinese Embassy accused Teodoro of suspending military communications for “political self-interest.”
The embassy called for renewal of direct military contact between the two militaries and for communication channels to remain open to prevent miscalculations and reduce the risk of confrontation.
The embassy also warned that the suspension could deepen mistrust and undermine crisis management efforts.
Teodoro, however, described the embassy’s criticism as a “desperate move,” alleging that China was reacting after being exposed for what he called its foolishness.
Another military spokesman, Army Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, said the defense department suspended direct contact with China’s People’s Liberation Army due to heightened tension around Bajo de Masinloc and Ayungin Shoal.
“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,” Trinidad said.
Trinidad said the military would continue its maritime patrols, aerial operations, surveillance activities, and rotation and resupply missions.
“The AFP will ensure that our flag remains flying high and proud over our maritime domain,” he added.