The Chinese Embassy in Manila called Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. a "real troublemaker in China–Philippines relations."

In its Facebook post on Thursday, the Embassy stated that "the Philippines’ defense chief has repeatedly smeared China with false accusations and stirred up hatred."

"He has led soldiers in raids on steel factories, detained unarmed Chinese workers, and framed them with false charges," it stated.

"Now he is targeting Chinese-language education, threatening Chinese teachers and accusing them of “political infiltration. What a cowardly and despicable act! Time and again, the facts have shown that he is the real troublemaker in China–Philippines relations," the Embassy added.

In an online interview with reporters on Wednesday, Teodoro mentioned that he is not open for military exchange students with China as well as for volunteer teachers from Chinese institutions that might "perpetuate lies against the Philippines".

The defense chief also ordered the suspension of the military-to-military communication between China and the Philippines in 2024.

In another post, the Chinese Embassy added that "communication is a two-way street. It may prevent misunderstandings and avoid conflict—unless, of course, someone in the Philippines is deliberately seeking confrontation." Robina Asido/PHS