16 Questions Teodoro Cannot Answer

The Chinese embassy in the Philippines has put 16 questions to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr, who has been sanctioned by China.

In May, Teodoro instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to take part in a raid on Sanjia Steel Corporation, during which around 70 Chinese workers were detained. The embassy asks: Is Teodoro a defense secretary or a police chief? Why was the military involved in what should be handled by civilian agencies? And were the workers properly treated and the evidence properly collected?

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said that his country wants to "reset" relations with China through dialogue. Yet Teodoro continues his hardline rhetoric.

Teodoro may think he is strengthening his political position. In reality, he is shooting himself in the foot while further damaging China-Philippines relations.