China bans Philippine defense chief and family from entry

China has imposed sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his immediate family, barring them from entering the country and prohibiting any business dealings with Chinese entities. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced the measures on Thursday, June 11, 2026, stating that Teodoro's "irresponsible" and "erroneous" remarks had undermined China's legitimate interests and damaged bilateral relations.

The sanctions explicitly prohibit Teodoro, his wife, and his children from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The ministry further declared that organizations and individuals in China are not permitted to engage in any transactions, cooperation, or other activities with the defense secretary and his family. The announcement came just hours before the Philippines was set to celebrate its Independence Day.

Chinese officials cited Teodoro's repeated criticism of Beijing's expansive claims in the South China Sea. At the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore in late May, Teodoro asserted that the Philippines "will not sacrifice our territorial integrity and sovereignty" and warned that negotiations with China are "not a path to conflict...