China Claims Philippines Hindered ADMM-Plus Participation

China accused the Philippines of obstructing its participation in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, saying unnamed Philippine politicians violated the forum’s inclusive spirit and undermined regional trust. China sent a military attaché rather than its defense minister, but said its attendance demonstrated support for ASEAN-led cooperation. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said ASEAN would determine how China was heard; the Philippines also said it had invited China to the forum. The dispute comes amid worsening China-Philippines relations, including repeated confrontations in the South China Sea.