Philippines' blackmail will not work, professor warns at Shangri-La Dialogue

China will not bully smaller countries, but will also not allow certain countries to exploit their size to blackmail larger nations, a professor from the National Defense University of China's People's Liberation Army said on Sunday, in response to the groundless accusation by the Philippines at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Meng Xiangqing, who is also a member of the National Defense University delegation to the elite security summit, made these remarks in Singapore, refuting Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, who criticized China's actions in the South China Sea in his speech on Sunday morning.

"China has not sought, does not seek, and will never seek hegemony, nor will it ever bully smaller nations. However, we will never tolerate or permit certain countries to engage in unscrupulous behavior to extort or exploit larger ones through illicit means," he said.

The remarks made by the Philippine defense chief groundlessly attacked and accused China, disregarding facts, misleading the public, inciting confrontation, sowing discord, and distorting the truth, Meng said.

These actions run counter to the prevailing trend of peace and stability in the region, the professor said, noting that they are also at odds with the common desire of the majority of countries to avoid taking sides, maintain independence, and pursue peace, development, communication, and cooperation.

"We firmly oppose and reject these remarks," he said.

Meng pointed out that the root causes of the tense South China Sea situation are the Philippines' foreign-backed provocations and infringements, coupled with external interference.

"In recent years, Philippine vessels have repeatedly intruded into waters near Ren'ai Reef, even dangerously ramming Chinese Coast Guard vessels, leading to escalation," he said.

Despite China repeatedly proposing control initiatives, the Philippine side has violated commitments, rejected historical agreements, and attempted to shift blame onto China, Meng said.

The PLA professor sent a stern warning that "the South China Sea is not a place for the Philippines to act with impunity".

"Should the Philippines persist in its misguided ways, we will resolutely respond to the very end," he said.

Meng urged the Philippine side to immediately cease its infringing provocations, adhere to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and return to the correct track of bilateral negotiations.

"We are determined and capable, together with ASEAN nations, of building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation," he said.