MANILA – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he would continue carrying out his duties despite sanctions imposed by China, describing Beijing’s actions as a response to those who speak out against its conduct in the West Philippine Sea.
Teodoro issued the statement a day after China’s Foreign Ministry announced the sanctions – prohibition to enter China, Hong Kong and Macau – against him and certain relatives over what it described as his repeated “erroneous remarks” concerning China.
“That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception,” Teodoro said. “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 sanctions came amid continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing over competing claims in the South China Sea.
The Philippines has repeatedly protested what it considers aggressive actions by China in disputed waters, while Beijing has accused Manila of encroaching on areas it claims.
China’s Foreign Ministry defended the sanctions and accused Teodoro of distorting facts for political gain.
“It is precisely the irresponsible and reckless behavior of a small group of people like him that has led to the escalation of the disputes between China and Philippine,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular briefing.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) backed Teodoro, saying his statements were consistent with international law and dismissing the sanctions as baseless.
In a statement, the military described the move as an attempt at political intimidation and said it would not affect the AFP’s mandate to defend the country’s territory and continue patrol operations in the West Philippine Sea.
AFP spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad said the sanctions would not deter the military from carrying out its constitutional duties.
Teodoro recently described China as a “severe threat” during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, saying Beijing had yet to demonstrate long-term good faith despite offering assistance to address possible fuel and fertilizer shortages linked to the conflict involving Iran.
Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs characterized the sanctions as an “unfriendly act” that could further strain bilateral relations.
The dispute comes as the Philippines continues to protest China’s activities in contested areas of the West Philippine Sea, including the reported presence of a floating structure in Bajo de Masinloc.
China has imposed similar sanctions on foreign officials in previous years, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and several members of the European Parliament, over criticisms of Beijing’s policies and actions./PN
