MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said China’s sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family are an “unfriendly act” that further complicates relations between Manila and Beijing.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Analyn Ratonel made the statement on Thursday, noting that while sanctions are a sovereign prerogative, they negatively affect diplomatic engagement.

“While the imposition of sanctions is China’s sovereign prerogative, the Philippines views it as an unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations,” said Foreign Affairs spokesperson Analyn Ratonel in a statement Thursday.

“Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries,” she added.

China earlier barred Teodoro and his immediate family from entering mainland China, as well as its special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macau. The sanctions also prohibit Chinese organizations and individuals from doing business with them.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the move followed what it described as “irresponsible remarks” from Teodoro that “undermines China’s legitimate interests and sabotages China-Philippines relations,” although it did not specify which statements it was referring to.

Teodoro has been among Philippine officials consistently asserting the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea amid ongoing maritime tensions.