BEIJING: China announced on Thursday sanctions against the Philippines’ defense minister over “irresponsible remarks,” escalating tensions between Beijing and Manila as they grapple with maritime disputes. Gilberto Teodoro and his spouse and child will be banned from entering China’s mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, an unnamed foreign ministry spokesperson said in an online statement.

China announced on Thursday sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and his family due to his repeated irresponsible remarks on China.

China is banning the Philippines Defense Secretary and his family from entering the country over his comments about China's South China Sea claims.