China sanctions Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro

Chinese foreign ministry says Teodoro is banned from entering China because of his ‘erroneous remarks’ on the country

China has sanctioned Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Beijing said on Thursday that Teodoro had repeatedly made erroneous remarks against China, undermined China’s legitimate interests and damaged bilateral relations.

“To safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests, the Chinese side has decided to ban Teodoro, his spouse and his children from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau,” the ministry said.

“Organisations and individuals within China are prohibited from engaging in any transactions, cooperation or other activities with Teodoro, his spouse and his children.”

Relations between the two countries have long been frayed by disputes in the South China Sea but have worsened in recent weeks with the announcement that Tokyo and Manila will embark on maritime border talks over waters east of Taiwan.

Last week, Beijing singled out Teodoro for criticism after he said the Philippines remained under “severe threat territory-wise and politically, too, by China”.