China's foreign ministry has imposed sanctions on Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his close relatives, including his spouse and children. The measures include a ban on entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as a prohibition on any transactions, cooperation, or activities between Teodoro's family and entities or individuals within China.
Beijing stated that Teodoro had repeatedly made erroneous remarks and issued fallacies that undermined China's legitimate interests and bilateral ties. Teodoro has used strong language to counter China's claims over strategic waters, calling them a fiction and a lie. He previously described President Xi Jinping as running a small dictatorship and autocracy, blaming a clique in the Chinese Communist Party for Beijing's aggressive and illegal policies.
In response, Teodoro stated he would continue to do his duty and uphold the nation in the face of the wickedness and deception committed by China. He argued that the Philippines has no choice but to be resilient and stand up against Chinese aggression. The Philippine foreign ministry described the sanctions as an unfriendly act that further complicates bilateral relations and does not contribute to building mutual trust or constructive engagement.
Tensions between the two nations have soured under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as Manila pushes back against Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea. While an international arbitration panel invalidated China's claims over the waters in a 2016 ruling, Beijing has refused to recognize the decision. Recent frictions include Manila taking diplomatic action against the illegal presence of a floating structure in a disputed atoll.