Screenshot of a statement from the Chinese Embassy Chinese Embassy in the Philippines

 
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said on Saturday that it hopes Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro will open his eyes to the world, move beyond Cold War thinking, and refrain from being a source of distrust in China-Philippines relations. This came in response to Teodoro's attacks and smears against China, including unwarranted comments on matters such as the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and the 80th anniversary commemorations of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

This is not the first time the Philippine defense secretary has made anti-China remarks, and his statements fully expose his arrogance and ignorance, showing a disregard for facts and a lack of understanding of history, the embassy said. 

Eighty years ago, after 14 years of arduous struggle, the Chinese people, at the tremendous cost of over 35 million casualties, completely defeated Japanese militarist aggressors, marking a complete victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. This was a historic turning point for the Chinese nation, moving from deep crises in modern times toward great rejuvenation, and a significant turning point for global development, the embassy continued.  

In the post-war international order, both China and the Philippines are participants, builders, and beneficiaries. China's grand commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War aims to remember history, honor martyrs, cherish peace, and strive for a better future, the embassy said. 

Eighty years after the victory in WWII, the global trend of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit remains unchanged. However, the shadows of Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism persist, while new threats and challenges continue to emerge, the embassy said. 

The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, with global governance standing at a new crossroads. To this end, at the SCO Tianjin Summit, China proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) and expressed its willingness to work with all countries to promote a more just and equitable global governance system, advancing together toward a community with a shared future for humanity. 

This initiative aligns with the common aspirations of people worldwide and addresses the urgent needs of today's world. Upon its proposal, it received widespread welcome and support from leaders of participating countries and heads of international organizations, and it is bound to gain even broader recognition and positive response from the international community, the embassy said. 

The five core principles of the GGI are in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They contribute to reforms and development of the global governance system through multilateral mechanisms like the UN, enabling more effective responses to contemporary challenges, the embassy said. The SCO Summit in Tianjin and the commemoration for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War were attended by more than 20 foreign heads of state and government, including approximately 10 from Southeast Asian neighboring countries. 

Foreign leaders unanimously praised both events and commended China's tireless efforts in safeguarding world peace and promoting multilateral cooperation, the embassy said. 

"We hope that the Philippine defense secretary will open his eyes to the world, move beyond Cold War thinking, and refrain from being a source of distrust in China-Philippines relations," it said.