DFA slams China sanctions as Teodoro vows to keep doing his duty
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, June 12, described China's sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family as an "unfriendly act" that further complicates relations between Manila and Beijing.
China's foreign ministry announced on Thursday, June 11, that Teodoro, his spouse and child are barred from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau for allegedly making remarks that undermined China's interests and damaged bilateral relations.
The sanctions also prohibit Chinese individuals and organizations from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with Teodoro and his family.
"While the imposition of sanctions is China's sovereign prerogative, the Philippines views it as an unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations," the DFA said in a statement.
The department added that the sanctions "do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries."
China did not identify the specific remarks that prompted the sanctions, but Teodoro has been among the Marcos administration's most vocal critics of Beijing's actions in the West Philippine Sea.
At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last month, Teodoro criticized China's continued "illegal, coercive and aggressive" activities at sea and accused Beijing of hindering efforts to finalize a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
The remarks drew a rebuke from Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who urged Manila to rein in its officials.
Responding to the sanctions, Teodoro said they would not affect his work.
"That is their right. That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception," he said.
"Their own countrymen and the others under their control suffer far worse. I will just keep doing my duty and uphold our nation in the face of the wickedness they are committing here and even in our seas," he added.
Teodoro had earlier shrugged off reports of a possible entry ban, saying he had no plans to visit China and had no assets there.
China's foreign ministry later defended the sanctions, with spokesperson Lin Jian accusing Teodoro of "confusing black and white and launching smear attacks."
"His words and actions are not his self-proclaimed 'defending national dignity,' but rather a grandstanding show aimed at reaping personal political gain," Lin said during a press briefing in Beijing.
The sanctions come as the Philippines, this year's ASEAN chair, pushes to conclude negotiations on the long-delayed South China Sea Code of Conduct by the end of 2026.
Relations between Manila and Beijing have also remained strained due to repeated confrontations in the West Philippine Sea and recent arrests of Chinese nationals in the Philippines.
The sanctions are believed to be the first imposed by China on a sitting Philippine Cabinet secretary since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1975. — with a report from Cristina Chi
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