ASEAN Beat | Diplomacy | Southeast Asia

Philippine Defense Secretary Vows to Defend Nation’s Interests After China Sanctions

The country’s Department of Foreign Affairs said that the sanctions against Gilberto Teodoro Jr. are “an unfriendly act” that “further complicates” bilateral relations.

Philippine Defense Secretary delivers a speech at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, 2026.

The Philippines’ defense chief said today that he would continue to do his duty and defend the country’s interests in the South China Sea, a day after Beijing sanctioned him for his “irresponsible remarks” about China’s maritime conduct.

In a statement, Gilberto Teodoro Jr. shrugged off the Chinese sanctions, which prevent him and his immediate family from traveling to the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao.

“That is their right. That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception. Their own countrymen and the others under their control suffer far worse,” Teodoro stated. “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.”

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs responded to the announcement by stating that China has a “sovereign prerogative” to impose sanctions, but that Manila “views it as an unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations.”

It added, “Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries.”

His comments came a day after China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the imposition of sanctions against Teodoro, accusing the Philippine defense chief of having “repeatedly made irresponsible remarks on China.”

“To uphold China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests, China has decided to prohibit Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his spouse and child from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The sanction also bars organizations and individuals in China from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or other activities with Teodoro and his family.

The Chinese statement did not specify what comments it had in mind, but it can easily be........

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