China Defense Spokesman Accuses Philippines of Undermining ADMM-Plus Consensus

On Thursday, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense, charged that the Philippines, serving as this year’s rotating chair of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), allowed a “self-serving politician” to obstruct China’s participation in the summit. He warned that such actions could erode solidarity among ASEAN members and harm regional interests, including those of the Philippines itself.

China Daily

Established in 2010, the ADMM-Plus is the highest-level defence and security dialogue in the Asia-Pacific, bringing together ASEAN members and eight dialogue partners. The forum is intended to build trust, strengthen cooperation, and uphold regional peace and stability through consensus-based consultation.

China Daily

Zhang reiterated that the Philippines should avoid allowing “a small group of people” to act recklessly in the South China Sea, noting that such behaviour could push bilateral ties into a “dangerous situation.” He also referenced recent remarks by the Philippine president, who expressed hope that China and ASEAN could finalize consultations on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea to ease tensions.

China Daily

• “Such actions seriously violate ASEAN's principle of consensus through consultation and run counter to the open and inclusive spirit of the ADMM-Plus,” — Thursday. Zhang

China Daily

• “Improving and developing China-Philippines relations serves the common interests of both sides,” — Thursday. Zhang

China Daily