International: China has called on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his family members to cease what it described as provocative actions, following Beijing`s recent decision to impose sanctions on them.

Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Chen Si said the sanctions announced by China`s Foreign Ministry were a direct consequence of the actions and statements made by Teodoro and his family.

According to the spokesperson, Beijing was compelled to take the measures in response to what it considers erroneous and provocative conduct.

Chen stated that the sanctions were legitimate measures aimed at safeguarding China`s national sovereignty, security, and development interests. He added that anti-China rhetoric and provocative remarks by the individuals concerned were not only detrimental to bilateral ties but also harmful to the Philippines` own interests.

The Chinese spokesperson urged those concerned to exercise caution in their words and actions and called for an end to what he described as "empty rhetoric and political theatrics."

Source: China Media Group (CMG).