Philippine defense chief endangering Manila's interests: FM spokesman

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr's reckless anti-China acts will only harm the fundamental interests of the Philippines and its people, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

Lin was responding to a question about a statement issued by Teodoro on Friday morning, in which he said he would continue to perform his duties, after China announced sanctions against him and his relatives.

"We have noted that Teodoro is still distorting facts and attacking and smearing China," Lin said.

"What he has said and done is not about safeguarding his country's dignity, as he claims, but a political show aimed at seeking selfish gains."

China announced on Thursday that it would impose sanctions on Teodoro and his relatives, barring Teodoro, his spouse and child from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, and prohibiting organizations and individuals within China from conducting transactions, cooperation and other activities with them.

Lin said Teodoro is a representative figure among a handful of anti-China elements in the Philippines who have been making trouble.

Such reckless behavior will inevitably backfire, damaging the interests of the Philippines as a country and of all its people, he said.

"It is precisely the irresponsible and reckless acts of such a handful of people that have led to the escalation of China-Philippines disputes and the deterioration of bilateral relations," Lin said.

Asked whether the sanctions would affect China's assistance to the Philippines, Lin said that if people like Teodoro are allowed to repeatedly undermine efforts to stabilize bilateral relations, it will ultimately only harm the fundamental interests of the Philippines and its people.