Philippines accuses China of extortion following detention of 100 Filipinos
Philippide Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has formally condemned China for the detention of over 100 Filipinos by immigration authorities, labeling the move "plain and simple extortion and blackmail." Manila claims the crackdown is retaliation for the recent arrest of Chinese nationals working illegally in a Philippine steel firm. This diplomatic escalation follows intensified maritime friction in the South China Sea, further straining the bilateral security relationship.