Philippines protests China’s sanctions on defence chief
While Manila said China’s sanctions against Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. were a “hostile act” that could further strain relations, Manila vowed to continue defending Manila’s interests against Beijing’s aggression.
China’s foreign ministry announced on Thursday that Teodoro and his family were banned from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau, for what it described as “irresponsible statements” that undermine Beijing’s interests.
The Chinese government has also banned individuals and groups in China from having any dealings with Teodoro and his family.
In June 2023, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Teodoro, who was appointed defense chief by , has been one of the most vocal critics of China’s actions in the disputed South China Sea and against Taiwan.
Manila’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was China’s prerogative to impose sanctions, but the Philippines viewed it as “a hostile act that further complicates bilateral relations.”
“Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, responsible management of differences or creating the necessary conditions for constructive interaction between the two countries,” the statement said.
Teodoro said he would continue to fulfill his duties and that China’s sanctions showed “what they do to those who tell the truth against their deception.”
China has imposed sanctions on US and European officials in the past, as well as a former Filipino senator in 2025, for actions that Beijing deems to be against its interests and actions, including human rights.
Former senator Francis Tolentino was the author of two bills that reaffirmed the extent of the Philippines’ maritime areas and right to access resources, including the South China Sea.
China claims almost all of the disputed waterway.
Marcos eventually signed two bills into law.
In 2025, Teodoro called China’s far-reaching claims in the South China Sea “the biggest fiction and lie” and singled out Chinese President Xi Jinping and his supporters within the Chinese Communist Party for what he called Beijing’s aggressive and illegal policies.
Teodoro led Manila’s efforts to deepen defense and security relations with the United States, the Philippines’ long-time treaty ally; This includes expanding annual combat exercises with American forces to now include joint maritime patrols and exercises in the South China Sea.
He has also led efforts to establish visiting force agreements with friendly countries such as Japan, France, Canada and New Zealand, which he says will help bolster deterrence against Chinese assertiveness.
