The Department of National Defense (DND) slammed China for criticizing Philippine military officials over operations near Bajo de Masinloc, saying it was a “self-directed farce.” Guo Jiakun of the China Foreign Ministry earlier took a swipe at the officials who, “driven by personal political motives, have repeatedly made outrageous and absurd statements, and habitually incite confrontation” between Beijing and Manila.

Abanilla, I. (2026, March 21). DND claps back at China over Bajo de Masinloc ops. The Manila Times, p. A2.