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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA calls China's sanctions on Teodoro an 'unfriendly act' that complicates bilateral relations

DFA calls China's sanctions on Teodoro an 'unfriendly act' that complicates bilateral relations

Foreign Affairs department says Beijing's sanctions hinder trust-building and constructive dialogue

Published Jun 12, 2026 09:58 am

At A Glance

  • DFA calls sanctions 'unfriendly' and says they complicate bilateral relations.
  • China bans Teodoro and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
  • Sanctions come amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea and amid Teodoro's criticism of Beijing.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has been barred by China from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to describe the move as an “unfriendly act” that could further complicate bilateral relations. (Photo: DND)
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has been barred by China from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to describe the move as an “unfriendly act” that could further complicate bilateral relations. (Photo: DND)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has described China’s sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and his immediate family as an “unfriendly act” that could further strain relations between Manila and Beijing.
In a statement issued late Thursday night, June 11, the DFA said it had taken note of the announcement made by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the sanctions imposed on Teodoro and his family.
“While the imposition of sanctions is China’s sovereign prerogative, the Philippines views it as an unfriendly act that further complicates bilateral relations,” the DFA said.
The department added that such measures do not help foster mutual trust or create an environment conducive to constructive engagement between the two countries.
“Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries,” it said.
The statement came after China announced that it had barred Teodoro, his spouse, and child from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Beijing also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting business transactions, cooperation, or other activities with the defense chief and his family.
The move marks one of the rare instances in which China has sanctioned a sitting Philippine Cabinet official and comes amid continuing tensions over disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, China’s foreign ministry accused Teodoro of having “repeatedly made irresponsible remarks on China” that allegedly undermined the country’s legitimate interests and damaged China-Philippines relations.
“To uphold China’s sovereignty, security and development interests, China has decided to prohibit Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his spouse and child from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao,” the ministry said.
China, however, did not specify which remarks led to the sanctions.
Teodoro has been among the Philippine government’s most vocal critics of China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea. He has repeatedly challenged Beijing’s sweeping maritime claims and accused Chinese forces of coercive actions within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. 

Related Tags

Gilberto Teodoro Department of Foreign Affairs China sanctions China-Philippines relations West Philippine Sea
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