BEIJING — China on June 11 announced entry bans and other restrictions targeting Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro, citing what it called “irresponsible remarks” that harm bilateral ties.
An unnamed Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Teodoro, his spouse and child will be barred from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. The statement also said Chinese individuals and organisations are prohibited from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with the minister and his family. The ministry accused Teodoro’s comments of undermining China’s legitimate interests and sabotaging relations with the Philippines, without identifying the specific remarks in question.
Relations between Beijing and Manila have been strained by repeated confrontations in the South China Sea, where China claims nearly the entire waterway despite an international tribunal ruling rejecting those claims. China frequently uses naval and coast guard vessels to block Philippine access to reefs and features in the area.
At a security summit in Singapore last month, Teodoro criticised China’s actions in the disputed waters and affirmed that Manila “will not sacrifice our territorial integrity and sovereignty.” China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning responded last week by accusing Teodoro of vilifying China and staging “political theatrics” for personal gain.