Rappler Talk: Philippine Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro on China sanctions

MANILA, Philippines – On June 11, the eve of Independence Day celebrations in the Philippines, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it was imposing sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Beijing accuses Teodoro of “repeatedly making irresponsible remarks on China, which undermines China’s legitimate interests and sabotages China-Philippines relations.” What the ministry does not include as context are the decades of China’s activities in the South China Sea, particularly in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone — the use of dangerous maneuvers or water cannons against Philippine vessels, artificial island building, or even harassment in the air.

The sanctions against Teodoro are the first from Beijing on a sitting Philippine government official and the latest in a series of escalation of tensions between the two Asian countries, even as Manila and Beijing try to stabilize ties. The Department of Foreign Affairs says the sanctions are an “unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations.”

Teodoro speaks to Rappler on Monday, June 15, days after the sanctions were officially announced. Rappler reporter Bea Cupin talks to him about the implications of Beijing’s sanctions, why he thinks China imposed and announced it, and the future of the Philippines’ defense diplomacy.

Bookmark this page to catch the live interview at 10 am. – Rappler.com