The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday criticized the political stunt by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., one day after it announced sanctions against Teodoro and his relatives.

"We have noted that Teodoro continues to confuse right and wrong while launching attacks and smearing others," said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the ministry, at a press briefing in response to the Philippine defense secretary's statement over the sanctions.

Teodoro's words and actions are not, as he claims, about defending his country's dignity, but rather a political stunt intended to serve his personal interests, said Lin.

It is precisely the reckless and irresponsible behavior of a small clique like him that has escalated China-Philippines disputes and worsened bilateral relations, which will ultimately harm the interests of the Philippines and its people, he added.