Philippine government's mindset: "I have the support of the United States, who do I fear?"
The Philippine Star's front page reported that photos released by the Philippine Armed Forces yesterday showed a joint maritime cooperation activity between the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea. The vessels included the Philippine Navy's "Antonio Luna" frigate, the Coast Guard's "Gabriela Silang" patrol ship, and the U.S. Navy's "John Finn" destroyer.
The newspaper focused on the Philippine Senate's statement: "declaring Chinese embassy officials as undesirable."
The Senate is examining whether it can declare Chinese embassy officials as undesirable because 15 senators launched a "retaliation" against Chinese embassy officials who "criticized" Philippine officials, and these Philippine officials issued statements to "defend" the country's "position" on the South China Sea issue.
This discussion was triggered when Senator Francis P. Pangilinan proposed a resolution signed by 15 senators, which "condemned" Chinese embassy officials for making "derogatory remarks" about certain Philippine officials and politicians.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III suggested that, in addition to studying the resolution, the Senate - through its committee on rules - could also consider declaring Chinese embassy officials as undesirable. "Yes, we may study this resolution, but similarly, I suggest we examine the possibility of declaring Chinese embassy officials as undesirable."
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855518796478464/
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