Philippines Summons Chinese Ambassador; Foreign Ministry: We Firmly Oppose Malicious Hype Over China-Related Issues, and Philippine Officials Should Restrain Irresponsible Remarks

The story

[Global Times-Global Network reporter Ding Yazhi] On October 19, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning chaired a regular press conference. Asked about the Philippine Foreign Ministry’s statement that it had summoned the Chinese ambassador after he reportedly said China could easily defeat the Philippines in a conflict, and about calls from several incumbent Philippine senators to expel him, Mao said improving China-Philippines relations serves both sides’ common interests. China firmly opposes individuals in the Philippines maliciously hyping China-related issues and undermining bilateral relations. The Philippines should effectively restrain irresponsible words and actions by individual politicians.