Deng Xiaoping's Promise Violated: Small Nation Challenges Xi Jinping, CCTV Reporter Accused of Espionage

File Photo: On November 10, 2021, a container ship docks outside the Victoria Harbour at the Kwai Tsing Container Terminal in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)

[People News] Recently, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro highlighted at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asian security forum in Singapore, that Beijing has breached the commitment made by former Chinese Communist Party leader Deng Xiaoping in 1974 at the United Nations General Assembly to "never seek hegemony." He engaged in a heated debate with a representative of the Chinese military and also accused a CCTV reporter of being a spy.

On June 1, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro participated in a cross-regional security connectivity meeting at the Shangri-La Dialogue and delivered a keynote address. In his speech, he referenced Deng Xiaoping's 1974 promise at the UN General Assembly that "China will never seek hegemony."

"However, half a century later, it is evident that the Chinese Communist government has not upheld the promise made by Deng Xiaoping," Teodoro reiterated the Philippines' stance on the West Philippine Sea issue, emphasizing that it is "not merely a function of Sino-American strategic competition; rather, it is undoubtedly a consequence of the Chinese Communist Party's overreach."

During a panel discussion at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a representative of the Chinese military, Zhang Chi, questioned Teodoro about the Philippines' concerns regarding a potential proxy war in Asia, akin to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, given that the United States is supplying numerous weapons to Southeast Asia and establishing more military bases in the Philippines.

Another military representative, Qi Dapeng, inquired why the Philippines cannot effectively manage its differences with China, noting that both Vietnam and Malaysia have disputes with China in the South China Sea but have successfully navigated their differences.

He also inquired whether Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim suggested during a special meeting at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday that the Philippines should engage in dialogue and communication with China. 'Will the Philippines follow his (Anwar's) advice and alter its current stance on the South China Sea issue? Or does the Philippines plan to act as an agent for external forces, continuing to be a puppet manipulated in a shadow play?' 

Tiodoro Locsin responded to the Chinese inquiry with a sarcastic comment, saying, 'Thank you for disguising your political propaganda as a question.' According to reports from Radio France Internationale, this remark was met with applause from the audience. He then criticised China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, asserting that the lack of trust in Beijing is the 'biggest stumbling block' to resolving the disputes in the region. 

Tiodoro also directly criticized Xi Jinping, stating, 'Chinese President Xi Jinping claims that China must lead the reform of the global governance system with the principles of fairness and justice; however, the fairness and justice perceived by the Chinese government may sharply contrast with the norms and values accepted by other countries, especially smaller nations. To anticipate the international order led by the Chinese Communist Party, we only need to observe how they treat smaller neighbouring countries in the South China Sea.' 

Tiodoro emphasised that no country in the world supports China's 'nine-dash line' claim in the South China Sea, and at least 50 countries have joined the Philippines in condemning the actions of the Chinese Communist Party in the region. He added, 'Personally, I cannot trust a country that oppresses its own people.' 

A female reporter from CCTV approached Tiodoro at the Shangri-La Dialogue venue and asked him in English, 'Are the United States and the Philippines supporting the Atin Ito Coalition in provoking conflict?'

Tie Oduoluo questioned, "Aren't you an agent of the embassy?" before leaving the scene. On the morning of the 2nd, the new media outlet "Yuyuantan Tian" under CCTV shared this interview process on Weibo.

During an interview with Reuters on May 31, Tie Oduoluo stated that China needs to overcome the "deficit in trust and credibility" to mend its strained defence relations with the Philippines, although any breakthroughs in the short term seem unlikely. He expressed frustration about dealing with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military, suggesting that their discussions often revolve around talking points and propaganda, representing an institution that serves the Communist Party leadership.

Moreover, it has been noted that the Chinese Minister of Defence, Dong Jun, did not attend this significant annual international defence dialogue. This marks the first time since 2019 that the CCP has not sent its defense minister to the Shangri-La Dialogue.

An analysis from Singapore's "Lianhe Zaobao" indicated that Dong Jun's absence might suggest that China is reducing the level of engagement with the U.S., reflecting the current tense relations between the two nations. The report highlighted that after the announcement of the South China Sea arbitration case in 2017, China only sent the vice president of the Military Academy to the meeting, indicating that the level of representation often mirrors the prevailing international atmosphere.