Chinese Embassy Slams Teodoro’s “Squid Tactics”

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.

Chinese Embassy Slams Teodoro’s “Squid Tactics”

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | August 24, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a sharp rebuke, the Chinese Embassy in Manila condemned Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.’s “baseless and sensational allegations” as a textbook example of “squid tactics,” accusing him of attempting to divert attention from legitimate concerns. Posted on their official Facebook page on Friday, August 21, embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng vigorously challenged Teodoro’s claims, demanding concrete evidence and highlighting the Philippine Department of Justice’s (DOJ) prior exoneration of the Chinese nationals in question.

Secretary Teodoro’s accusations, which include labeling the Chinese Embassy a “PR firm for Tony Yang” and alleging their cover-up of illegal activities, have been met with outright denial and strong condemnation. “Covering up illegal activities is a serious accusation that must be dealt with in accordance with the law and backed by solid evidence,” stated Ji. “We dare the Secretary to provide evidence to support his absurd accusation. A PR firm for Tony Yang? No one at the Chinese Embassy even knows him. Any serious statement must be accurate and factual. A cabinet secretary, in particular, should be above nonsense and defamation.”

The embassy underscored its mandate to protect innocent Chinese workers from wrongful implication, specifically referencing the case of 70 Chinese workers from Sanjia Steel. The spokesperson pointed to two unequivocal resolutions from the Philippine Department of Justice:

May 28 Resolution

The DOJ explicitly stated that all complaints of violation “should be referred for further investigation” and ordered the release of all 70 Chinese nationals “unless they are being detained for any other lawful cause.”

July 30 Reaffirmation

The DOJ further dismissed the complaints against the Chinese workers for “lack of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction,” solidifying their exoneration.

Despite these clear judicial pronouncements, Secretary Teodoro continues to accuse the Chinese workers of illegal activities without presenting any substantiating evidence. This persistent stance has prompted the Chinese Embassy to question the Secretary’s respect for the rule of law and the decisions of the judiciary.

“Any unbiased person would ask: who possesses the legal authority to determine law violations in the Philippines? DND or DOJ? Does SND Teodoro respect the rule of law and the decisions of the judiciary?” Ji Lingpeng queried, placing the onus on Secretary Teodoro to reconcile his public statements with the established legal framework of the Philippines.

The Chinese Embassy’s firm response highlights significant diplomatic friction, emphasizing the need for evidence-based accusations and respect for judicial processes in international relations.

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