The Philippine defense chief criticized China on Tuesday for what he called "bullying" actions in the South China Sea and said Beijing's peaceful assurances contrast with its behavior in the contested waters.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana criticized China's increasingly assertive actions when asked to comment on the Chinese ambassador's assurances in Manila that Beijing won't seek hegemony in the disputed region and "will not take the first shot."
In a speech in Manila late Monday to mark the anniversary of the People's Liberation Army, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said his country's peaceful intent is enshrined in the Chinese constitution and that it's strengthening its military "entirely for the purpose of self-defense."