Manila: China's recent imposition of sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and its attempts to label him as an apologist for Japan's wartime actions are being seen as a move to stir historical fears amidst strengthening security ties between Manila and Tokyo, analysts told Radio Free Asia. According to Radio Free Asia, the sanctions were announced last month after China's Foreign Ministry criticized Teodoro for his comments against China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. The sanctions prohibit Teodoro and his family from entering China and restrict business dealings with them. However, Teodoro has expressed no plans to visit China, prompting questions about Beijing's objectives with these sanctions. Analysts suggest Beijing's campaign against Teodoro is an effort to invoke World War II memories to depict Japan as a modern-day aggressor in the Pacific, thereby diverting attention from China's contested claims over the South China Sea. Aniello Iannone, a lecturer at Diponeg oro University, noted that Manila's claims are supported by international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated China's claims. Zhang Junshe, from the People's Liberation Army Naval Military Academic Research Institute, detailed his opposition to Teodoro on the Chinese site Guancha. Zhang accused Teodoro of exacerbating the South China Sea dispute and downplaying Japan's increasing military activities. Zhang linked these activities to Japan's historical occupation of the Philippines during World War II, stating that Japan is using the Philippines to expand its military influence. Iannone explained that China's references to Japan's history are politically motivated. Beijing aims to question the legitimacy of Japan's security role in Southeast Asia, particularly as the Philippines collaborates closely with Japan. The Philippines and Japan are not only working together on South China Sea strategies but also discussing the boundaries of their exclusive economic zones (EEZs), where Taiwan also has claims. China views Taiwan as a province, and any negotiations excluding China could challenge its territorial claims. The Philippine government has expressed strong support for Teodoro, condemning China's sanctions as unfriendly and politically intimidating. Teodoro vowed to continue defending the Philippines against China's actions. Enrico Cau, a security researcher, noted that China has not specified which of Teodoro's comments led to the sanctions. The sanctions appear to be a form of coercion aimed at influencing regional dynamics rather than directly altering Teodoro's stance. Iannone emphasized that while Teodoro is the immediate target, the broader message is intended for the Philippine political class and other regional actors. The sanctions are meant to serve as a warning against adopting a firm stance against China. Ultimately, the sanctions on Teodoro may backfire, potentially strengthening support for hi s position and diminishing the threat of future sanctions. Iannone concluded that the aim is not to change Teodoro's position but to deter others from taking a similar stance.