MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. described China’s sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. as “very unhelpful,” saying the move only heightens tensions between the two countries.

Marcos said the sanctions would do little to improve bilateral relations.

“The declaration of Beijing as Secretary Teodoro as a persona non grata (unwelcome), it’s very unhelpful in my view because it achieves very little,” Marcos said.

“It’s not just helpful. It’s China’s prerogative to do what they please… It raises the level of tension rather than lessens it,” he added.

Despite the sanctions, Marcos said the Philippines would continue engaging China through various channels, including government, commercial and personal interactions.

“Everything that we can is being explored and cutting off another line of communication, which is through our defense ministries, I do not see how it will help the process that we’re trying to manage the tensions,” he said.

China earlier imposed sanctions on Teodoro, barring him and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, while also prohibiting Chinese individuals and organizations from conducting business with them.

The Department of Foreign Affairs previously described the sanctions as an “unfriendly act” that further complicates relations between Manila and Beijing.

Teodoro, who has repeatedly criticized China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, earlier said the sanctions were a common response by Beijing against individuals who expose what he described as its deception.