Does China have a smart or dumb diplomacy?

China's imposition of unilateral sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his family has sparked international debate about Beijing's diplomatic tactics. This move highlights China's willingness to use economic pressure as a tool of influence in regional disputes, particularly concerning its contested claims in the South China Sea. Manila's defiant response underscores the escalating tensions and the challenges in maintaining diplomatic relations with China amid its assertive actions. This incident sheds light on the broader implications for regional stability and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.