Philippine Defense Chief Slams China as 'Evil' After Beijing Sanctions Him

(Central News Agency, Manila, June 12, Combined Foreign Reports) Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said today that, a day after being sanctioned by Beijing, he will continue to perform his duties in the face of what he called China's 'evil' acts; Beijing previously stated the sanctions were due to his repeated 'fallacies about China.'

According to Reuters, relations between China and the Philippines, a US ally, have continued to deteriorate over the past few years, with constant disputes. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Manila government has actively pushed back against what it calls Beijing's aggression; China accuses the Philippines of repeatedly encroaching on Chinese waters in the disputed South China Sea.

In a statement today, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said: 'This is indeed their usual tactic against those who expose their deceptive acts and speak the truth.'

Teodoro also said: 'I will continue to perform my duties and steadfastly guard our country in the face of the evil acts they commit here, even in our waters.'

China's Foreign Ministry announced sanctions against Teodoro and his close relatives yesterday, stating that he had 'repeatedly made fallacies about China,' harming China's legitimate interests and undermining China-Philippines relations.

The statement read, 'To safeguard China's national sovereignty, security, and development interests, China has decided to prohibit Teodoro, his spouse, and children from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and to prohibit organizations and individuals within China from engaging in any transactions, cooperation, or other activities with them.'

The Manila government's Department of Foreign Affairs stated that the sanctions are 'an unfriendly act that further complicates bilateral relations.'

In a statement last night, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs noted: 'Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating conditions for the necessary constructive exchanges between the two countries.'

This sanction makes Teodoro one of many foreign officials in recent years to face similar actions from Beijing. (Editor: Li Peishan) 1150612