Latest news with #SoutheastAsiaNuclearWeapon-FreeZoneTreaty


GMA Network
a day ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Teodoro on China leading SE Asia nuclear-free zone: 'Denuclearize first'
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday brushed off China's readiness to lead a nuclear weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia, saying this was meaningless without transparency and a commitment to disarmament. "Mag-denuclearize muna sila o magpa-inspeksyon sila sa IAEA at multinational inspectors… para makita natin kung talagang sinsero sila," Teodoro told reporters, referring to the United Nations' nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency. (They should denuclearize first or open themselves to inspection by the IAEA and multinational inspectors… so we can see if they're really sincere.) The Defense chief said China's track record of avoiding international scrutiny—particularly its earlier refusal to allow independent studies on the origins of COVID-19—undermines the credibility of its recent diplomatic overtures. Reuters has quoted a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson as saying Thursday that China firmly supports establishing a Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-free zone, and has made clear its willingness to take the lead in signing the treaty. "We stand ready to stay in communication with ASEAN countries on this matter," Mao Ning told a regular press conference, referring to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc. Malaysia said China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ), while the United States is currently reviewing the treaty before signing, Malaysia's state media reported Wednesday. GMA News Online has requested comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding Teodoro's comments, but it has yet to reply as of posting time. China's ban Meanwhile, Teodoro criticized China's sanctions against Senator Francis Tolentino, who was barred from entering its mainland, Hong Kong, ang Macao due to his alleged "egregious conduct" on China related issues. The Defense chief described the ban as a typical reaction from Beijing when it is faced with supposed credible accusations. "Badge of honor nga sabi ni Senator Tolentino. Sa halip na sagutin ang mga paratang, ang ginagawa nila, ganyan," he said. (As Senator Tolentino said, it's a badge of honor. Instead of answering the accusations, that's how they react.) Asked whether he feared being similarly banned by China, Teodoro replied bluntly, "Ay, wala akong pakialam (I don't care)." Support from allies Teodoro said the Philippines continues to receive strong support from various countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and European nations, among others. He said this growing international backing has helped amplify the Philippines' sovereign claims and expose Chinese activities in the region. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." China has refused to recognize the decision. — VDV, GMA Integrated News


The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
China, Russia to sign SEANWFZ treaty as US reviews decision
KUALA LUMPUR: China and Russia have confirmed their intention to sign the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ), while the United States is still reviewing the agreement, according to Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The participation of major global powers in the treaty is expected to reinforce Southeast Asia's status as a peaceful region free from nuclear threats. 'We have established Southeast Asia as a peaceful region, and next week, foreign ministers will convene for further discussions,' Mohamad said during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's engagement session with the Malaysian diaspora in Rome. The SEANWFZ, also called the Bangkok Treaty, was signed in 1995 by all 10 ASEAN member states and took effect in 1997. The treaty's protocol requires Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) to respect the zone's non-nuclear status, refrain from threatening nuclear attacks, and avoid actions that undermine the agreement. Malaysia is set to host the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (58th AMM) and related sessions from July 8 to 11 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The country assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship in January 2025, succeeding Laos under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This marks Malaysia's fifth time leading ASEAN, having previously chaired in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.