"Philippines Defense Minister Rebukes China for 'Gutter-Level Talk' on Taiwan"

Philippines' Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro accused a Chinese foreign ministry official of engaging in "low and gutter-level talk" and spouting state-sanctioned propaganda and disinformation after the official made remarks insulting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This latest spat is part of a series of rhetorical confrontations between Beijing and Manila, with the Philippines reaffirming its "One China policy" while emphasizing mutual interests with Taiwan, including the presence of 200,000 Filipino workers on the island.