A Chinese military expert has publicly questioned Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent remarks on the South China Sea, calling them “misleading” and accusing Manila of stirring regional tensions. At the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore, Lt. Gen. He Lei highlighted what he called the Philippines’ “provocative actions” and reliance on external powers like the U.S. to push its agenda. 🚨
He, a former PLA Academy of Military Sciences vice president, argued that Manila violated regional agreements by bringing disputes to international courts instead of negotiating bilaterally—a core principle of the 2002 South China Sea conduct declaration. “Who’s really breaking the rules?” he asked reporters, comparing the current friction to the relatively calm years under ex-leader Rodrigo Duterte.
The expert also criticized the Philippines’ new “Squad” alliance with the U.S., Japan, and Australia as contradictory to ASEAN unity. “Are we prioritizing regional cooperation or foreign military ties?” he challenged, comparing the bloc to a Suicide Squad-style team-up that risks destabilizing Asia. 💥
Meanwhile, He emphasized China’s commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue while warning: “We won’t let smaller countries act recklessly.” The remarks come as naval standoffs escalate near reefs like Ren’ai Jiao, with Beijing accusing Washington of “orchestrating tensions” behind the scenes. 🌏
