MANILA, Philippines (AP) 鈥� The Philippine government said Friday that China鈥檚 imposition of sanctions, including an entry ban, against Defense Secretary was 鈥渁n unfriendly act鈥� that could further strain relations, while he vowed to continue defending Manila鈥檚 interest against Beijing鈥檚 aggression.
The in Beijing announced Thursday that Teodoro and his family have been banned from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macao, over what it described as 鈥渋rresponsible remarks鈥� he has made that undermined Beijing鈥檚 interests.
The Chinese government also prohibited individuals and groups in China from having any transaction with Teodoro and his family 鈥渢o uphold China鈥檚 sovereignty, security and development interests.鈥�
Teodoro, who was appointed defense chief by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in June 2023, has been one of the most vocal critics of China鈥檚 actions in the and against Taiwan.
The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said imposing sanctions was China’s prerogative but that the Philippines viewed it 鈥渁s an unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations.鈥�
鈥淪uch measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries,鈥� the foreign affairs department said.
Teodoro said he would continue to carry out his duties for the Philippines. He also said in the statement that China鈥檚 sanctions underscored 鈥渨hat they do to those who speak the truth against their deception.鈥�
China has imposed sanctions on a former Philippine senator last year, as well as against U.S. and European officials in the past, for actions that Beijing deemed go against its interests and actions, including on human rights.
The former Philippine senator, , was the author of two bills that reaffirmed the extent of the Philippines鈥� maritime territories and right to resources, including in the South China Sea. China claims the disputed waterway almost in its entirety.
Marcos eventually signed the two bills into law.
Last year, Teodoro called China鈥檚 expansive claims in the South China Sea 鈥渢he biggest fiction and lie鈥� and singled out Chinese President Xi Jinping and his supporters within the Chinese Communist Party for what he called Beijing鈥檚 aggressive and illegal policies.
鈥淚t鈥檚 caused by Xi Jinping and his abusive ways 鈥� that would possibly destroy his leadership of his party in China and the goodwill that was nurtured by his predecessors,鈥� Teodoro told reporters.
Teodoro has led efforts to deepen Manila鈥檚 defense and security engagements with the United States, the longtime treaty ally of the Philippines, including by broadening with American forces that now include joint naval patrols and drills in the South China Sea.
He has also led efforts to forge visiting forces agreements with friendly countries including , France, Canada and New Zealand which he said would help increase deterrence against China鈥檚 assertiveness.
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