Gilberto Teodoro Jnr

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr warned that academic exchange programmes with China could be exploited as conduits for grey-zone influence and state-sponsored disinformation, following reports of language teachers in Manila trained by a Chinese university linked to a Batanes Islands controversy.

The Philippines aims to recruit coders, engineers, and cybersecurity specialists into its military to address modern warfare shaped by software and AI. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to expand a program allowing civilian professionals to join as commissioned officers.

Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr stated that broader military engagement with China is not possible unless Beijing changes its stance, while maintaining limited communication channels. The remarks follow sanctions against Teodoro by China and tensions over the South China Sea.

China has sanctioned Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr, citing erroneous remarks against China, undermining its interests, and damaging bilateral relations. The sanctions include a ban on Teodoro and his family from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

China condemned remarks by Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr, stating the comments damaged bilateral trust and showed ingratitude for Chinese aid. China's foreign ministry urged Manila to prevent 'a few clowns' from sabotaging ties through political theatrics.

Philippine defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr stated that Asean members have conflicting claims in the South China Sea but mutual trust, identifying Beijing as the main obstacle to a code of conduct. He criticized China at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore for disregarding an international arbitral tribunal ruling.