Philippine defense chief rejects China criticism, calls response a 'squid tactic'

Teodoro defended a May law-enforcement operation at a steel facility where Chinese nationals were arrested, asserting it was lawful and supported by evidence, including alleged violations related to substandard steel production, polluted water dumping, and toxic emissions. He also accused Chinese embassy officials of interfering in Philippine law enforcement and threatening retaliation against Filipinos, citing revelations from a Senate hearing.

The exchange escalates a deteriorating relationship between Teodoro and Beijing. China had previously imposed sanctions on Teodoro in June after he characterized China as a "severe threat" to the Philippines, to which Teodoro responded by calling China "wicked."

This dispute follows China's confirmation on August 10 that its immigration authorities had taken action against over 100 Philippine nationals for illegal work or residency in China, which Beijing described as lawful and civil. Teodoro had condemned these actions on August 13 as "plain and simple extortion and blackmail."