Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has vowed to continue carrying out his duties despite being sanctioned by China, accusing Beijing of targeting those who speak out against its actions.
Teodoro’s remarks came a day after China’s Foreign Ministry announced sanctions against him and his close relatives, alleging that he had repeatedly made what Beijing described as “erroneous remarks” that harmed China’s interests and bilateral relations.
Responding on Friday, Teodoro dismissed the move and reaffirmed his commitment to defending Philippine sovereignty.
“That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception,” he said in a statement.
“I will continue doing my duty and uphold our nation in the face of the wickedness they are committing here and even in our seas.”
Relations between China and the Philippines have deteriorated significantly in recent years as tensions continue to escalate in the disputed South China Sea.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Manila has adopted a firmer stance against what it describes as increasingly aggressive actions by Beijing in contested waters. China, meanwhile, has accused the Philippines of repeatedly encroaching into areas it claims as its own territory.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs also criticised Beijing’s decision, describing the sanctions as an unfriendly action that could further strain relations between the two countries.
In a statement, the department said such measures do not help build mutual trust, responsibly manage disagreements or create conditions for constructive engagement.
The sanctions place Teodoro among a growing list of foreign officials targeted by Beijing in recent years. Similar measures have previously been imposed on international politicians and lawmakers critical of China’s policies.
The latest dispute follows comments made by Teodoro during the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he described China as a major security threat to the Philippines.
“For countries like the Philippines, which face serious territorial and political pressure from China, we have no choice but to be resilient and stand up against Chinese aggression,” he said during the forum.
Earlier this week, Manila also lodged a diplomatic protest against Beijing over what it described as the illegal presence of a floating structure within a disputed atoll in the South China Sea.
The latest exchange highlights the increasingly tense relationship between the two neighbours as disputes over maritime territory, security and regional influence continue to dominate their bilateral agenda.
