The dispute erupted after Teodoro told Reuters in an interview on Saturday that China remained a “severe threat” and had shown no evidence of long-term good faith, even after Beijing supplied fertilizer and fuel to the Philippines during shortages linked to regional conflict-related disruptions.

Responding to the remarks, China’s Foreign Ministry accused the Philippine defense chief of politicizing issues affecting ordinary citizens and disregarding the benefits of Chinese assistance.

Speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Teodoro’s comments demonstrated that he was “solely driven by personal interests” and had failed to consider the welfare of the Philippine people.

Mao questioned how China could be expected to continue providing aid and essential supplies to the Philippines if such views prevailed among senior officials in Manila.

The exchange underscores the fragile state of relations between Beijing and Manila, which have been strained by longstanding maritime disputes, security concerns and competing strategic interests in the region.

Teodoro’s remarks reflected continued skepticism within the Philippine security establishment regarding China’s intentions, despite recent efforts by Beijing to project a more cooperative image through economic and humanitarian assistance.

China’s response signals growing frustration over what it views as Manila’s unwillingness to separate practical cooperation from broader geopolitical and security disagreements.

Neither side indicated any immediate plans for high-level talks following the latest diplomatic exchange.

Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing from Wednesday to Friday for high-level talks with Xi, where the issue of self-governed Taiwan is expected to feature prominently amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly refused to renounce the use of force to bring the island under its control. Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years through naval patrols, air incursions and large-scale military exercises around the island.Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said the government remained in close contact with Washington and was carefully monitoring preparations for the Trump-Xi meeting.

“We have also maintained continuous communication with the United States whether through public statements from the U.S. government or through non-public channels. We are confident in the stable development of Taiwan-U.S. relations,” Lin said.“The U.S. government has repeatedly expressed that its Taiwan policy will not change,” he added.

The United States maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan but is legally obligated under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide the island with defensive capabilities. Washington has long viewed peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as central to Indo-Pacific security.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week that maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait remained a priority for Washington.

At the same time, the United States has intensified pressure on allies and partners, including Taiwan, to increase military spending in response to growing geopolitical threats and expanding Chinese military capabilities.Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament last week approved a reduced special defense budget, falling short of the amount requested by the government.

A senior U.S. official said on Sunday that Washington was disappointed by the lower allocation, arguing the spending level did not fully match Taiwan’s security needs.Lin urged lawmakers to take corrective action to strengthen defense funding, saying deterrence depended on Taiwan’s ability to demonstrate credible self-defense capabilities.

“Peace depends on strength it requires demonstrating the defense capability for self-defense in order to deter aggression,” Lin said.He also accused China’s Communist leadership of accelerating military expansion and promoting authoritarian influence beyond its borders.

The Trump-Xi summit is expected to be closely watched by governments across Asia and the wider international community for indications of how the world’s two largest powers intend to manage growing strategic rivalry, particularly over Taiwan and regional security.