Philippine defence chief says new laws block broader China talks

The Philippines will keep only limited military communication channels open with China while ruling out broader engagement unless Beijing changes its conduct around Scarborough Shoal and other contested areas, the defence chief said this week. "Carefully controlled communications are necessary, but negotiations and other activities are not possible, unfortunately, because of the lack of good faith on their part and a lack of respect for our territorial integrity," the defence chief told reporters after meeting with military chiefs and President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr for a command conference late on Tuesday.

Recall of personnel The remarks followed reports that the Philippine defence and armed forces attache in Beijing, Navy Captain Arnold Fortin, and his staff had been recalled to Manila for consultations. The defence chief told local news site Rappler the move was part of a process of re-establishing and readjusting postings under a new engagement framework.

The defence chief, who is sanctioned by Beijing and barred from visiting China, made the comments in an interview this week. A Chinese coastguard vessel patrols near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea in May.