AP reported that “the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing announced late Thursday that (Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto) Teodoro and his family have been banned from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macao, over what it described as ‘irresponsible remarks’ he has made that undermined Beijing’s interests. The Chinese government also prohibited individuals and groups in China from having any transactions with Teodoro and his family.”
Teodoro of course protested, calling it “an unfriendly act” that could further strain relations, while vowing he would continue defending Manila’s interests against “Beijing’s aggression.” AP notes that “Teodoro, who was appointed defense chief by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in June 2023, has been one of the most vocal critics of China’s actions in the disputed South China Sea and against Taiwan… Teodoro has led efforts to deepen Manila’s defense and security engagements with the United States, the longtime treaty ally of the Philippines.”
