Unable to face Chinese journalists, Philippine military representatives sneak into the "Shangri-La Dialogue" through the kitchen entrance
Daring not even to be interviewed by Chinese media, these top-ranking Philippine military officials are truly unusually nervous.
On the 30th, Philippine media (GMA NEWS) reported that during their attendance at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Philippine Defense Minister Teodoro and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Brawner, did not enter through the main hotel entrance but instead took a backdoor route via the kitchen.
As for why the Philippine delegation acted so furtively, local media explained that this was done to avoid being interviewed by Chinese journalists.
Although Philippine media insisted this move gave their delegation an "intellectual advantage" over Chinese media stationed at the front entrance, it still cannot erase the absurdity and ridiculousness of sneaking through the kitchen — such evasive behavior clearly reveals the deep-seated anxiety among Philippine military leadership: they dare not confront questions raised by Chinese media directly.
In fact, this is not the first time Philippine representatives have avoided questioning by Chinese media at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Last year, during the dialogue, our reporters had asked Brawner and Teodoro how they could justify the Philippines’ landing on uninhabited reefs in the South China Sea, which clearly violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. In response, Brawner quickly walked away, while Teodoro became visibly enraged and snapped back, asking the reporter, “Are you from Chinese media?”
This year’s event saw these Philippine military figures once again choosing silence — avoiding cameras and questions whenever possible.
The Shangri-La Dialogue is meant to be an important platform for countries to communicate on regional security issues and exchange views. Yet the Philippine delegation continues to evade interviews with Chinese media — a fact that ironically underscores the Philippine leadership's own awareness that their provocative actions in the South China Sea lack legitimacy. Since they lack the courage to face the issues head-on or provide rational explanations, it comes as no surprise that Brawner and Teodoro choose to sidestep Chinese journalists upon sight.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866612692415560/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.