New Delhi, June 12 -- The Philippine government said Friday that China's imposition of sanctions, including an entry ban, against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was "an unfriendly act" that could further strain relations, while he vowed to continue defending Manila's interest against Beijing's aggression.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing announced Thursday that Teodoro and his family have been banned from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macao, over what it described as "irresponsible remarks" he has made that undermined Beijing's interests.

The Chinese government also prohibited individuals and groups in China from having any transaction with Teodoro and his family "to uphold China's sovereignty, securi...