Stop ‘invasion’, Gibo tells China Manalo: No evidence from Beijing on Ayungin claims

By Rey Requejo, Maricel Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vince Lopez

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

on Tuesday said China should stop its “invasion” (pananakop) by intimidation and construction of structures in the West Philippine Sea if it is sincere in calling for peaceful dialogs to resolve maritime tensions.

“How can China ask us to stop when they have been relentless in their acts of invasion? To me it is simple: It is okay to talk, but we should be on equal terms,” Teodoro said in an interview at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, a military site for the US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“China said we should hold dialogs – fine. But they should stop building structures in the West Philippine Sea and stop harassing our vessels,” the Defense chief added.

China told: Present evidence on alleged deal

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo likewise turned the tables on