Philippines calls China sanctions on defense chief 'unfriendly'
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- China imposed sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., including an entry ban and prohibiting transactions with him and his family, citing his "irresponsible remarks" undermining Beijing's interests.
- The Philippine government condemned the sanctions as an "unfriendly act" that could worsen bilateral relations and hinder constructive engagement between the two countries.
- Teodoro, a vocal critic of China's actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan, vowed to continue defending Philippine interests despite the sanctions.
- China accused Teodoro and other Filipino "anti-China elements" of escalating disputes for political gain, dismissing their actions as self-serving rather than patriotic.
- Teodoro has actively worked to strengthen defense ties with the United States, including expanding joint military exercises and patrols in the South China Sea amid ongoing territorial disputes.