Philippine defence chief rejects China criticism, calls response a 'squid tactic'

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro rejected China’s claim he “consistently attacked and smeared” Beijing, calling it a “classic squid tactic” of disinformation.
He defended a May raid on a Misamis Oriental steel plant that arrested Chinese nationals, saying court warrants showed production of substandard, radioactively tainted steel and environmental violations.
The row reflects rising tensions—China sanctioned Teodoro in June and recently detained over 100 Filipinos in China, prompting mutual accusations.