MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday evening described China’s decision to impose sanctions on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family as an “unfriendly act,” saying it adds strain to already tense relations between Manila and Beijing.
The DFA said it took note of the remarks of China’s Foreign Ministry announcing the sanctions, which include entry bans and restrictions on transactions involving Teodoro and his immediate 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.
It added that such measures “do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries.”
China on Thursday announced that Teodoro, his spouse and child would be barred from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, and that Chinese entities would be prohibited from engaging in transactions or cooperation with them.
Beijing accused Teodoro of making “irresponsible remarks” that it said undermined China’s interests and bilateral ties. It did not specify which statements triggered the sanctions.
Teodoro, for his part, brushed aside the sanctions, saying China was entitled to its actions and vowing to continue performing his duties.
“That is their right. That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception,” Teodoro said in a statement.
“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 move marks a rare action by China against a sitting Philippine Cabinet official and comes amid continuing tensions over disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Teodoro has been among the Marcos administration’s most vocal critics of Beijing’s maritime claims, repeatedly rejecting China’s sweeping assertions in the West Philippine Sea.
The latest move follows China’s barring of 16 officials of Kalayaan, Palawan, in February 2026 from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, in what Beijing called a reciprocal move after the municipality declared the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines persona non grata.
It also follows Beijing’s sanctioning of former senator Francis Tolentino in 2025 over issues related to the West Philippine Sea. /gsg
The post DFA says China sanctions on Teodoro an ‘unfriendly act’ appeared first on Inquirer.net.
