The Chinese Embassy in Manila strongly criticized Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday for his recent remarks against the Communist Party of China (CPC). Teodoro had defended the Philippines’ plan to purchase midrange missiles from the United States.

Vietnam is poised to become only the second country in the region to acquire Indian-Russian BrahMos supersonic missiles.

A workshop in Beijing heard that the country needs to boost its legal talent pool as Manila threatens action in the international courts.

China accused the Philippines on Friday of having "provoked trouble" in the South China Sea with U.S. backing, which Manila denied, as tensions between the two neighbours continue.

In its second safety advisory in 10 days, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines urged citizens to remain vigilant amid a surge in armed robberies, drug-facilitated thefts, currency exchange scams and other crimes.

The Philippines risks losing strategically and economically by oscillating between the United States and China— without securing lasting benefits from either.

The Philippine defence secretary rejected Chinese criticism of Manila's plans to acquire a US-built mid-range missile system, telling Beijing on Tuesday to stop its "saber rattling" and "interference" in internal affairs.

The Philippines said Monday it planned to acquire the US Typhon missile system as part of a push to secure its maritime interests, sparking warnings from China of a regional "arms race".

China has strongly opposed the Philippines' plans to deploy midrange missiles, saying that it will cause regional tensions. China has always been apprehensive of USA's assistance to its neighbour.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila condemned what it called Teodoro's "unprofessional and ludicrous remarks," while claiming the defense chief "personally impedes and obstructs" military contacts between both countries.

Photo:screenshot from Chinese embassy in Philippines. In response to the Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro erroneous remarks about China, a spokesperson for the Chinese