Philippines slammed for distorting the truth

China will never bully smaller countries, but it will also never allow certain countries to exploit their size to blackmail larger nations, said a member of the National Defense University delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday.

Meng Xiangqing, who is a professor at the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army, made the remark at the security forum in response to the groundless accusations made by the Philippines with regard to China's actions in the South China Sea.

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

In his speech on Sunday, the concluding day of the three-day forum, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said that China's treatment of its smaller South China Sea neighbors is in stark contrast with international norms of fairness and justice.

Meng said the remarks disregard facts, distort the truth, mislead the public, incite confrontation and sow discord.

The remarks made by the Philippine defense chief run counter to the prevailing trend of peace and stability in the region, he said, emphasizing that they are also at odds with the common desire of a majority of countries to avoid taking sides, maintain independence, and pursue peace, development, communication and cooperation.

"We firmly oppose and reject such remarks," he added.

According to Meng, the Philippines' foreign-backed provocations and infringements, as well as external interference, are at the root of the tense South China Sea situation.

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

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

"The South China Sea is not a place for the Philippines to act with impunity. Should the Philippines persist in its misguided ways, China will resolutely respond till the very end," he warned.

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 right track of bilateral negotiations.

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