FACT: Gibo Teodoro claims China does not negotiate in absolute good faith 

Jerome Tan

A Facebook post quotes Secretary of National Defense Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. as saying that China does not negotiate in absolute good faith with the Philippines.

CLAIM:

Teodoro said that “Chinese negotiators do not negotiate historically in absolute good faith but in a position of tactical advantage always.”

RATING: FACT

CONCLUSION:

The claim is accurate. Teodoro did make the statement during a June 15, 2026 interview, where he discussed China’s approach to negotiations concerning disputes in the South China Sea. 

THE FACTS:

• The Facebook page, which is not affiliated with Sec. Teodoro, took the quote from a Rappler online interview with Teodoro last June 15, 2026 (timestamp: 8:31).
• In the interview, Sec. Teodoro asserted that negotiations from the Chinese perspective are a “combative exercise” rather than an attempt to reach a compromise or settle a dispute.
• The quote was part of his response to a question on negotiations with China and other Southeast Asian countries to develop a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.

THE BOTTOM LINE: 

As maritime disputes in the region continue to escalate, diplomacy and negotiation nonetheless remain essential to the country’s strategy in the West Philippine Sea.