Phillipines Defies China Sanctions On Defense Chief, Asserts Maritime Rights In Contested Waters

The National Maritime Council (NMC), a Philippine agency created by President Marcos Jr. to strengthen the country’s maritime security, strongly defended Defence Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. after China placed sanctions on him and his family.

Beijing banned Teodoro and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao for his ‘irresponsible’ comments about the ongoing China-Philippine dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

The Council stated that Teodoro is simply doing his job to protect Philippine sovereignty, international law, and the country’s 2016 victory in the arbitral court.

They called his actions a legitimate expression of national independence.

The Department of Foreign Affairs called the sanctions an “unfriendly act” that would lead to a further deterioration of China-Philippine diplomatic ties.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan described it as a “clear escalation of bullying,” stating that attacking Teodoro for doing his job is an insult to the entire Philippine government.

Despite the pressure, the NMC stated it remains committed to peacefully defending the Philippines’ maritime rights.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy warned that anyone who hurts China’s interests “will ultimately pay the price.”

Teodoro has been one of the most outspoken officials who has regularly criticised Chinese intrusions and aggressive manoeuvres in the West Philippine Sea, waters which form a part of the South China Sea, which Beijing claims in its entirety, but within Manila’s 370 km Exclusive Economic Zone.

NMC is the central body responsible for the formulation of policies and strategies to ensure a coordinated and effective framework for Manila’s maritime security and domain awareness.

It is chaired by the executive secretary, with 12 Cabinet secretaries as members, including Teodoro as the defence secretary.