Teodoro China remarks have drawn attention amid continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing, as Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. encouraged Filipinos to appreciate Chinese culture while remaining cautious about information and political narratives they encounter.

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged Filipinos to appreciate China’s culture while remaining critical of information and narratives they encounter, warning them not to be “brainwashed.”

In a social media post dated November 10, Teodoro wrote: “Yes, go to China. Enjoy the beautiful cultures but do not, do not be brainwashed.” The remarks were reported by The Philippine Star.

The statement comes amid tensions between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea and recent exchanges between officials of both countries.

Teodoro has been outspoken in criticizing China’s actions and messaging. In July, he condemned an AI-generated video posted by Chinese state-run media outlet China Daily that depicted Filipinos as monkeys while mocking the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling. The Philippine government denounced the video and demanded its removal, describing the imagery as racist and dehumanizing. Beijing said the video did not represent the Chinese government’s official position.

The 2016 arbitral ruling invalidated the legal basis of China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. China has rejected the ruling, while the Philippines maintains that it upholds Manila’s maritime rights.

Despite the disputes, both governments have said diplomatic communication should continue. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by telephone on November 3. The Department of Foreign Affairs described their discussion as frank, pragmatic and constructive, saying both sides recognized the importance of dialogue and properly managing differences.

Teodoro’s message draws a distinction between experiencing Chinese culture and accepting political narratives without scrutiny. It reflects the challenge facing the Philippines: maintaining ties with China while standing firm on its sovereignty and maritime rights.

The post did not identify specific sources of misinformation or name any particular campaign.