The Philippine government on Friday protested China’s decision to impose sanctions on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., describing the move as “an unfriendly act” that could further strain already tense bilateral relations. Teodoro, one of Manila’s most outspoken critics of Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea, vowed to continue defending Philippine interests despite the restrictions. China’s Foreign Ministry announced late Thursday that Teodoro and his family were banned from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao over what Beijing described as “irresponsible remarks” that undermined Chinese interests.

The sanctions also prohibit individuals and groups in China from engaging in transactions with Teodoro and his family. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs acknowledged that sanctions are within China’s sovereign prerogative but said the measures would not help improve ties between the two countries. In a statement, the department said such actions “do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement.”

Teodoro responded by saying he would continue carrying out his duties and argued that the sanctions reflected China’s intolerance toward criticism. He said the restrictions underscored “what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception.” A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, defended the sanctions and accused Teodoro and other “anti-China elements” in the Philippines of escalating tensions between the two countries. Lin said their actions were not genuinely about defending national dignity but were instead politically motivated.

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The dispute comes amid continuing friction over the South China Sea, where China claims nearly the entire waterway despite overlapping claims from the Philippines and several other Southeast Asian nations.  Teodoro has repeatedly criticized Beijing’s actions in the region, calling China’s expansive claims “the biggest fiction and lie” and accusing Chinese leadership of pursuing aggressive and illegal policies. Since taking office in June 2023 under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Teodoro has played a central role in strengthening the Philippines’ defense partnerships, particularly with the United States.

He has overseen expanded military exercises with American forces, including joint naval patrols and drills in the South China Sea, and has pursued defense cooperation agreements with countries such as Japan, France, Canada, and New Zealand. China has previously imposed sanctions on foreign officials it considers hostile to its interests, including former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino, who authored legislation reaffirming the Philippines’ maritime claims. The latest sanctions against Teodoro are likely to deepen diplomatic tensions at a time when Manila and Beijing remain at odds over regional security and territorial disputes.

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