Philippines slammed for distorting the truth

China will never bully smaller countries, but it will also never allow certain countries to exploit their size to blackmail larger nations, said a member of the National Defense University delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday.

Meng Xiangqing, who is a professor at the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army, made the remark at the security forum in response to the groundless accusations made by the Philippines with regard to China's actions in the South China Sea.

"China has not sought, does not seek and will never seek hegemony, nor will it ever bully smaller nations. However, it will also never tolerate or permit certain countries to engage in unscrupulous behavior to extort or exploit larger nations through illicit means," Meng said.