Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned his Philippine counterpart, Theresa Lazaro, that Manila would face "bitter consequences" if it provoked Beijing with external help, lodging a protest over a recent ramming incident at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.
Chinese law enforcement faces a new challenge from a grey market where leaked information about disciplinary investigations is monetized online. A tactic involves posting an official's resume as a coded signal, as seen in the case of former Hubei official Zhou Xianwang, whose career history was published online days before his investigation was announced.
China's new law targeting overseas entities undermining ethnic unity aims to counter Western ideological influence and assimilate minority groups, primarily through deterrent and psychological pressure.
Japan confirmed Wednesday that two Japanese nationals have been detained in China since May for allegedly violating import/export laws. One detainee works for a Japanese electric machinery maker's China subsidiary, reportedly taken into custody in Dalian. China confirmed the detentions, stating they were in accordance with Chinese law and urged Japan to ensure its citizens and companies comply with regulations.
Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration reported mainland Chinese law enforcement vessels entered restricted waters near Taiping Island on Thursday, a first for government vessels. The ships were driven away by Taiwan's coastguard. Experts suggest this is Beijing's attempt to assert sovereignty.
