A China foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that no matter what policies the Philippines rolls out, it cannot affect China's sovereignty and maritime rights.
Talks with Tokyo on a military base reciprocal access agreement are the latest Philippine effort to bolster the forces Manila can rely on to confront China. However, agreements with Japan and the US would not apply if the Philippines takes aggressive action in the territory of another state.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said that he had a frank and candid exchange with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi over the phone on Wednesday.
South Asia News: The Philippines is considering expelling the Chinese Ambassador following tense confrontations between their vessels in the disputed South China Sea.