President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.criticized China's sanctions and verbal attacks on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., arguing that these actions are worsening bilateral relations.

Marcos emphasized that China's measures are 'very unhelpful' and hinder efforts to resolve territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

The sanctions, which include barring Teodoro and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, mark an unprecedented move against a cabinet member since the 1975 establishment of Philippine-China ties.Marcos highlighted that China's actions do not advance discussions on territorial conflicts and increase the risk of accidental clashes.

The president acknowledged Teodoro's role in defending Philippine sovereignty but warned that China's responses escalate tensions rather than resolve issues.

Despite the sanctions, Marcos remains committed to resetting relations, including reviving plans for joint resource development in the disputed waters.The Chinese Embassy rejected the 2016 arbitral award favoring the Philippines, calling it a 'political manipulation disguised in legal garb.' Marcos stressed the importance of maintaining communication channels to manage tensions and prevent escalation in the South China Sea dispute.