Philippine defense chief defies China sanctions

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated on June 11, 2026, that he will continue to perform his duties in the face of what he described as 'wickedness' committed by China. His remarks come one day after Beijing imposed sanctions on him for repeated 'erroneous remarks' regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The sanctions include a travel ban and asset freeze, but Teodoro has dismissed them as an attempt to silence Philippine opposition to Chinese aggression. The Philippines maintains its commitment to international law and sovereign rights in the region.