Manila Summons Chinese Envoy as Beijing Pushes Back
The Philippines summoned China’s ambassador on Monday over remarks Manila said conveyed a threat of force. Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro told Ambassador Jing Quan his comments were “provocative and unacceptable,” according to Reuters, as carried by the Taipei Times. Jing had said China “may easily win” a confrontation but would not use force.
In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China “firmly opposes certain Philippine individuals maliciously lashing out at China” and urged Manila to rein in its politicians. Asked about Taiwan’s reported expulsion of 16 Chinese vessels, she said it was “not a question about foreign affairs.” She also said China had lodged protests with Japan over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Yasukuni Shrine offerings. This is Beijing’s stated position.
Separately, the Associated Press reports that France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the Philippines are taking part in Japan-US Keen Sword 27 drills for the first time, according to Japan’s Joint Staff.
None of the three reports described a new military incident overnight.