‘China won’t be silent, will push back if defamed’The Chinese embassy in Manila has been publicly attacking Philippine officials for statements opposing China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea. China has one of the world’s most restrictive media environments, relying on censorship to control information in the news, online, and on social media. China has one of the world’s most restrictive media environments, relying on censorship to control information in the news, online, and on social media. “If fake news are spread, if China is defamed or if hatred is incited, we will not remain patient and silent. Both sides hope to accelerate the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea we call COC.

Source: Philippine Star January 21, 2026 16:45 UTC