The Chinese government has officially imposed sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and his immediate family, citing what it described as persistent “irresponsible remarks on China.”
In a formal statement released on Thursday, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry alleged that Teodoro’s conduct has damaged Chinese interests and undermined bilateral relations between the two nations. As part of the punitive measures, the Chinese government has barred Teodoro, his spouse, and his child from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Furthermore, the sanctions prohibit any organization or individual within China from conducting business, cooperating, or engaging in any activities with the defense chief and his family.
Teodoro, who has been instrumental in strengthening the Philippines’ defense partnerships with the United States, is widely recognized for his staunch opposition to Beijing’s assertive military and maritime actions within the disputed South China Sea.
Following the announcement, Teodoro remained defiant, defending his stance against Beijing’s actions.
“That is their right. That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception. Their own countrymen and the others under their control suffer far worse,” Teodoro said in a statement.
“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.”
This move marks another instance of Beijing targeting high-profile Filipino officials. In 2025, China issued a travel ban against Acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino for his legislative efforts to secure the country’s maritime zones in the West Philippine Sea.
Additionally, local officials in the municipality of Kalayaan were previously declared persona non grata by the Chinese government.
The history of such friction includes the late Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario, a key figure behind the 2016 arbitral victory that invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims. In 2019, Del Rosario was notably denied entry into Hong Kong and detained by immigration officials for six hours upon his arrival.
These tensions occur against a backdrop of deteriorating relations, fueled by frequent confrontations in the West Philippine Sea.
Chinese maritime forces—including the Coast Guard, Navy, and suspected maritime militia—have repeatedly employed water cannons and aggressive blocking maneuvers against Philippine vessels, incidents that China continues to justify by claiming the Philippines has breached its territorial waters.