China's sanctions on Teodoro and family 'unfriendly act,' says DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called the decision of the Chinese government to impose sanctions on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family "an unfriendly act."

"While the imposition of sanctions is China’s sovereign prerogative, the Philippines views it as an unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations," the DFA said.

"Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries," it added.

China's foreign ministry said Teodoro and his wife and child are prohibited from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau due to alleged "repeatedly made erroneous remarks concerning China" which undermined China's "legitimate interests" and bilateral ties, according to a Reuters report.

The measures were imposed to "safeguard China's national sovereignty, security, and development interests," the ministry added, without specifying what remarks by Teodoro it particularly objected to.

Teodoro's office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. — BAP, GMA News