'Nuclear weapon-free' ASEAN? Teodoro says China must denuclearize first

MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said China must denuclearize itself first to show that it genuinely supports a nuclear weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia.

China says it will continue to develop nuclear arsenal and US and Russia must make first cuts

In a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China has made clear its willingness to “take the lead” in signing the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty.

Why is Southeast Asia turning to nuclear power?

“Mag-denuclearize muna sila o magpa-inspection sila sa IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] at multinational inspectors para makita natin kung talagang sinsero sila,” Teodoro told reporters.

China's nuclear arsenal to more than triple by 2035: Pentagon

“To see is to believe… Itong mga initiative nila na willing to take the lead, maging mediator—pakitang tao lang ito kung wala silang good faith na ipapakita,” he stressed.

Malaysia’s state media on Wednesday reported that China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the SEANWFZ Treaty, while the United States is still reviewing it before signing.

China expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than anticipated, Pentagon says

The treaty’s protocol requires nuclear weapon states—namely China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States—to respect the treaty and not contribute to any act in violation of it and its protocols, and to not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against the states in and within the zone.

'DEFICIT OF TRUST AND CREDIBILITY’

 Teodoro emphasized that China has a “deficit of trust and credibility” due to its aggressive actions in almost the entire South China Sea.

“Sa ngayon, malaki ang deficit of trust and credibility nila. Malaki ang pagkukulang ng tiwala sa kanila, hindi lamang ng Pilipino, kundi ng buong mundo. Mismong mga tao na rin nila na sinusupil nila,” the official said. 

China building up nuclear arsenal ‘in response to US pressure’

“Kahit anong PR ang gawin nila, walang maniniwalang Pilipino sa kanila kasi iba ang ginagawa nila, iba ang salita," he added.

Manila has consistently challenged Beijing’s baseless and sweeping maritime claims and presence within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Teodoro also criticized Beijing’s decision to impose sanctions on former Senator Francis Tolentino, banning him from entering mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong.

China imposes sanction vs Tolentino; ex-senator calls it 'badge of honor'

The Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday noted how a “handful of anti-China politicians” in Manila have made malicious remarks on issues related to China.

But Tolentino described China’s action as a badge of honor for defending Filipino rights in the West Philippine Sea.

"Nasaktan sila dahil natumbok ang maling gawain nila. Mabuti nga—assuming pupunta si Senator Tolentino doon—nasa tamang paraan. Hindi katulad nila na maraming undocumented dito na taliwas ang pasok," Teodoro said.

China now has the nuclear strength to hit back at a first strike, former PLA colonel says

Teodoro added he doesn’t care if China imposes the same sanctions on him.

“Wala naman akong pakialam kung gawin nila sa akin ‘yan,” 

RELATED VIDEO