China’s absence at PH-hosted defense meet seen as missed chance for regional leadership

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 30, 2026

Photo Courtesy: DND

China missed an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and engage directly with regional counterparts after sending a lower-ranking representative instead of its defense minister to a major security meeting hosted by the Philippines, according to a University of the Philippines professor.

The ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), held in Cebu on October 28 and 29, brought together defense officials from ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, including the United States, Japan, Australia and China.

Beijing was represented by Senior Captain Yang Lei, its defense attaché in Manila, instead of Defense Minister Dong Jun. The move marked a lower level of Chinese representation compared with previous editions of the regional gathering.

The professor described the absence of China’s defense chief as a missed opportunity for Beijing to engage in direct discussions with other defense leaders and help shape conversations on regional security.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who chaired the meeting, said China had been invited and was given an opportunity to express its position on regional maritime security.

Teodoro also rejected China’s suggestion that the Philippines had obstructed its participation, saying no other ASEAN member had raised similar concerns.

China’s Defense Ministry, meanwhile, accused an unnamed Philippine politician of abusing the country’s chairmanship to create obstacles to Beijing’s participation. It did not identify the individual or specify the alleged restrictions.

The dispute unfolded against the backdrop of strained relations between Manila and Beijing, particularly over competing claims and recurring confrontations in the South China Sea.

Despite the diplomatic tension, the ADMM-Plus provided a platform for participating countries to discuss regional security and defense cooperation, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue among nations with differing positions.