Chinese embassy spokesman Ji Lingpeng strongly condemned Philippine Defence Minister Teodoro’s recent claim that some Filipino elected officials received Chinese support and that the embassy has been spreading false information. Ji called the minister’s allegations baseless, said the South China Sea should not define China‑Philippines relations, and reiterated China’s preference to handle maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation. He accused a small faction in the Philippines of trying

Chinese embassy spokesman Ji Lingpeng strongly condemned Philippine Defence Minister Teodoro’s recent claim that some Filipino elected officials received Chinese support and that the embassy has been spreading false information. Ji called the minister’s allegations baseless, said the South China Sea should not define China‑Philippines relations, and reiterated China’s preference to handle maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation. He accused a small faction in the Philippines of trying to provoke confrontation and said such efforts would not succeed.