(Photo from ASEAN PH 2026 Facebook page)
Malacañang on Tuesday denied allegations that the Philippines obstructed China’s participation in last week’s ASEAN defense meeting in Cebu, stressing that Manila would not use its position as regional chair to disadvantage any country.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said China was represented at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) by its defense attaché to the Philippines, Senior Captain Yang Lei, who was allowed to present Beijing’s position during the gathering.
“Hindi po gagamitin ang anumang kapangyarihan o anumang posisyon para makalamang kung kaninuman,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
She maintained that the Philippines did not prevent any ASEAN member state or dialogue partner from participating in the defense meeting.
The statement came after China’s defense ministry accused Manila of “erecting multiple obstacles” to Beijing’s participation, alleging that the Philippines undermined ASEAN’s principles of consensus, openness and inclusivity.
China sent Yang instead of Defense Minister Dong Jun to the Cebu meeting, which was attended by defense officials from several countries, including the United States, Japan and Australia.
Despite the disagreement, Castro said Malacañang did not expect the issue to affect the attendance of regional leaders at the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila.
Asked whether the Philippines and other ASEAN member states would issue a joint statement responding to China’s allegations, Castro said no such proposal had been brought to the Palace.
Meanwhile, Castro expressed hope that Chinese President Xi Jinping would attend the ASEAN leaders’ summit in mid-November, saying his participation could provide an opportunity to address differences and strengthen regional dialogue.
“Mas maganda po na dumating po talaga ang liderato ng China dahil mas magandang pagkakataon ito para mapag-usapan kung anuman iyong mga maaaring may gusot at doon magkaroon na pagkakataong maresolba,” she said.
The Philippines is preparing to host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in mid-November, bringing together regional leaders and dialogue partners to discuss security, economic cooperation and other regional concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the gathering.
