Tensions between Manila and Beijing flared up once again during the Seoul Defense Dialogue, where Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was interrupted while addressing the forum. Mid-speech, Teodoro was handed a note—the authorship of which remained unclaimed—that reiterated China’s rejection of the 2016 international tribunal ruling regarding the South China Sea. Rather than ignoring the provocation, Teodoro read the message aloud, labeling its contents as a display of bullying and coercion. He publicly condemned the act, noting that such behavior reflects a lack of respect for international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which China continues to disregard.

Teodoro did not hold back in his criticism, telling the audience that China’s interruption was not only a violation of international norms but a profound breach of the basic decency owed to the host country, South Korea. This incident is just the latest in a series of confrontations where the Philippine official has pushed back against what he calls "propaganda disguised as questions" from Chinese counterparts. Having previously faced a travel ban from Beijing for his firm stance on territorial integrity, Teodoro remained unfazed, using the moment to reiterate the need for a rules-based security architecture in the region. He concluded by urging China to adopt a more civil approach, emphasizing that the aggressive pursuit of its unilateral nine-dash line claims continues to disrupt the stability of the Western Pacific.