Geopolitical analyst Herman Tiu Laurel questioned the credibility of an alleged handwritten letter from Chinese officials targeting Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
during the Seoul Defense Dialogue. Laurel noted that the document lacked formal diplomatic verification and official seals, as it was drafted on hotel stationery.
He criticized Secretary Teodoro’s emotional public response, advocating instead for formal legal framing based on UNCLOS and international arbitration to preserve delicate bilateral relations and infrastructure partnerships.
