Amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines’ national security adviser has called for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral. Eduardo Ano accused China’s embassy in Manila of engaging in disinformation and misinformation campaigns to sow discord and division.
The call for expulsions comes as the two countries have been embroiled in heated standoffs in disputed areas of the South China Sea. The alleged leak involved a conversation between a Chinese diplomat and a Filipino admiral discussing a dispute over the South China Sea, with the transcript suggesting concessions by the Philippines to China’s proposals. China’s embassy in Manila has not responded to the call for expulsions, while tensions between the two nations continue to escalate.