‘Speaking truth’: Philippine defence chief defiant after China sanctions (opens original article in a new tab)

The Philippine defence minister was sanctioned by China for 'irresponsible remarks' regarding the South China Sea dispute, with his family banned from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau. He defended his comments as 'speaking truth' and criticized China's actions.

• China sanctioned Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro for 'irresponsible remarks' about the South China Sea.
• Teodoro's family is banned from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and Chinese entities cannot engage with them.
• The Philippines called the sanctions an 'unfriendly act' that complicates bilateral relations.