Singapore, June 1 -- Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr reaffirmed Manila's commitment to defending its maritime rights in the South China Sea, citing former Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and accusing China of employing a "talk and take strategy" to alter facts on the ground while projecting a commitment to negotiations.
Addressing delegates at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday, Teodoro said the Philippines would continue to uphold international law, strengthen deterrence, and deepen defence partnerships with like-minded countries to protect its sovereignty and maritime entitlements.
Referring to China's position on the South China Sea dispute, Teodoro cited Gokhale's recently published book China Wars...