Philippine defence chief vows to press on after China sanctions

MANILA - Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Friday that China imposes sanctions "on those who speak the truth against their deception."

Teodoro added he will continue to do his duty and "uphold our nation in the face of the wickedness" being committed in the Philippines and its seas.

China's foreign ministry announced sanctions on Thursday against Teodoro and his close relatives, saying he had "repeatedly made erroneous remarks concerning China" which had undermined China's "legitimate interests" and bilateral ties.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Chris Reese)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 4:03 PM.