'Have some shame': Drama erupts as Philippine Defence Secretary publicly slams China over mid-speech note | VIDEO

Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro publicly blasted China after receiving an unexpected note regarding the South China Sea mid-speech at a South Korea forum.

In response to a note handed to him during a speech at the Seoul Defence Dialogue by a Chinese military attaché concerning the South China Sea dispute, Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro denounced Beijing for its "coercion, bullying, and aggression." The surprise move came as the Chinese diplomat handed the unsolicited note to Teodoro as he delivered a prepared speech to an international audience.

The incident turned what should have been a routine diplomatic forum into a major diplomatic showdown that highlighted mounting tension between the Philippines and China in their fight over the South China Sea.

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How the speech-mid interruption happened in South Korea

According to organisers of the forum as well as news sources from the Yonhap News Agency, the note in question was meant to be passed through a member of Teodoro's own delegation.

Mistaken communication: Thinking the note was official communication for the delegation's defence secretary, the staff of the forum handed it to him in front of an international audience.

Public reading: Putting a stop to his speech, Teodoro picked up the note and began reading it out loud to the audience.

Refusal of the 2016 ruling: The note said that China's position regarding the South China Sea arbitration is unshakable and condemned the ruling by the UNCLOS tribunal of 2016 as flouting international law.

Teodoro's harsh reaction and claim of bullying

Instead of just ignoring the paper, Teodoro chose the opportunity to denounce the lack of diplomatic etiquette and disrespect for the host country demonstrated by Beijing.

Disrespect for the hosts: Teodoro accused the manner of the delivery of being a disrespectful move against South Korea and the delegates present in the forum.

Condemnation of coercion: He directed his condemnation straight at the disruption, calling the provocative act one of coercion, bullying, and institutional intimidation.

Sarcastic trophy: In conclusion, he remarked that he will keep the paper as a trophy to remind him of the desperation of China's actions with a sarcastic remark aimed at the messenger.

Bigger picture of the South China Sea dispute

The incident was a reflection of continuing daily disputes between Manila and Beijing in their maritime zones.

Daily battles: Teodoro pointed out that Manila is always under continuous maritime pressure in its exclusive economic zone due to China's provocative territorial claims.

Defensive alliances: These escalating flashpoints have forced Manila to expand multilateral security partnerships and reinforce regional defense arrangements.

Defiance of UNCLOS: While Beijing continues to reject the landmark 2016 arbitration ruling invalidating its expansive historic claims, the Philippines relies heavily on international legal frameworks to defend its sovereignty.

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