Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has criticised sanctions imposed by China, stating that he will continue carrying out his duties despite measures announced by Beijing.
China’s Foreign Ministry said it had sanctioned Teodoro and his close relatives, accusing him of making repeated remarks that undermined China’s interests and bilateral relations. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over competing claims in the South China Sea.
Responding to the sanctions, Teodoro said he would continue to uphold the interests of the Philippines.
“That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception,” Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said in a statement on Friday (12 Jun).
“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,” Teodoro added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs described the sanctions as an “unfriendly act” that could further complicate efforts to manage differences and maintain constructive engagement between the two countries.
The latest diplomatic dispute follows recent exchanges over maritime activity in contested waters, including a Philippine protest over what it described as the illegal presence of a Chinese floating structure in a disputed atoll.
ℹ️ Reuters
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