The Armed Forces of the Philippines has expressed “absolute solidarity” with Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro following sanctions imposed on him by China.
Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad described the measures as “unilateral” and “ungrounded”, calling them a “transparent attempt at political intimidation”. He added that the sanctions would not deter the armed forces from carrying out its constitutional duties, particularly in the South China Sea.
China's foreign ministry announced on 11 June that it had imposed sanctions on Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his immediate family, accusing him of repeatedly making remarks that undermined China's "legitimate interests" and bilateral relations.
The sanctions bar Teodoro, his wife and child from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Chinese entities are also prohibited from conducting transactions, collaborations or other activities with them.
The ministry said the measures were intended to "safeguard China's national sovereignty, security, and development interests", but did not specify which of Teodoro's statements had prompted the action.
Last week, Beijing criticised the Philippine defence chief, claiming he had shown no appreciation for China's supply of essential commodities and accusing him of using public welfare issues for political point-scoring. The comments came after Teodoro described China as a threat.
He told Reuters at Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's leading defence forum:
"For countries like the Philippines, which faces serious territorial and political threats from China, we have no choice but to be resilient and stand up against Chinese aggression."
Following unconfirmed reports of a China entry ban, Teodoro reportedly told local broadcaster ABS-CBN:
"I have no assets in China and no plans to go there. Even if I wanted to visit because of the food and the people, it is overshadowed by the government they have."
China and the Philippines have clashed repeatedly in the South China Sea in recent years. Beijing continues to assert sweeping territorial claims that overlap with those of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling rejecting the legal basis for many of its claims.
Earlier this week, Manila took diplomatic action against Beijing over what it described as the "illegal presence" of a floating structure at a disputed atoll.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last m...
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" swee...
Russia’s fuel shortages are spreading into Central Asia, exposing the region’s heavy reliance on Russian petrol and diesel as governments race to ...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" sweeping through stadiums, city streets and social media.
AnewZ's Daybreak on 10 July covered mounting tensions in the Middle East, political developments in the UK, and major stories from the South Caucasus and Central Asia, alongside key international news.
Ukraine is facing one of the most difficult moments of the war, as a convergence of corruption scandals, political turbulence, financial uncertainty and intensifying Russian offensives places unprecedented strain on the country’s ability to defend itself.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
The Welsh rock singer Bonnie Tyler, best known for the global hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart," has died aged 75 in Portugal.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and North Korea to strengthen cooperation and maintain "strategic resolve" amid what he described as growing global instability. He made the remarks during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment