Gibo hits China insincerity, duplicity

MANILA, Philippines — China, through its embassy, has shown “insincerity” and “duplicity” by declaring its rejection of the 2016 arbitral award that invalidated Beijing’s expansive maritime claims, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said yesterday.

“The Chinese embassy statement replying to our Department of Foreign Affairs is a window into the true intentions of the Chinese Communist Party in dealing with our country. It clearly shows their insincerity and duplicity which are amply personified by their embassy officials,” Teodoro said in a statement. The embassy earlier said it was rejecting the arbitral ruling as null and void.

The DFA rejected the assertions of the Chinese embassy against the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, considered final and binding.

“We condemn the arrogant display of deceitful indignation by them. What they’re saying is unbelievable, that’s why they’re resorting to ranting. We will not surrender,” he said.

In response, the Chinese embassy reminded Teodoro of President Marcos’ repeated declaration of readiness to properly handle differences with China to ease tensions.