Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has publicly disagreed with Vice President Sara Duterte’s assessment of the Philippines as becoming Southeast Asia’s “troublemaker.” Teodoro asserted that this label more accurately applies to China, specifically citing China’s aggressive actions towards Filipino troops in the South China Sea. He made these remarks during an online interview with reporters in Manila, Philippines, speaking in Filipino. The Defense Secretary directly stated, “China alone is the troublemaker here.” This exchange highlights an internal debate within the Philippine government regarding how to characterize the escalating tensions in the region. The dispute centers on differing perspectives of who is responsible for the increasing friction and potential instability. These comments underscore the Philippines’ ongoing struggle to navigate its complex relationship with China amidst territorial disputes.