SLUG: breaking-asia-pacific-philippines-china-escalation-june6-2026 MANILA — The Philippines expelled China’s consul general in Manila on Friday and ordered the immediate closure of China’s consulates in the cities of Davao and Cebu, escalating a diplomatic confrontation over a series of confrontations in the South China Sea that have tested the US-Philippines alliance and rattled regional markets. Foreign Secretary Sara Duterte confirmed the expulsion in a nationally televised statement, calling China’s actions near Sabina Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal “a direct violation of Philippine sovereignty and international law.” The Chinese foreign ministry called the expulsion “a malicious provocation” and warned of “resolute countermeasures.” Beijing’s ambassador to Manila was summoned for the third time in a week. The escalation follows a week in which Chinese coast guard vessels used water cannons against Philippine resupply boats for the second time in 30 days, and a Chinese naval helicopter conducted what Manila called an “aggressive intercept” near the contested waters. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convened an emergency national security council meeting Thursday and ordered the coast guard to increase patrols. The US State Department issued a statement reaffirming that the US-Philippines mutual defence treaty covers Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. The US 7th Fleet confirmed two destroyers were conducting “routine operations” in the area. Japan and Australia also issued statements supporting the Philippines’ right to free navigation. The diplomatic row comes as shipping insurance premiums for routes through the South China Sea rose by 18 percent this week, according to Lloyd’s of London, reflecting growing concern among underwriters about the deteriorating security environment in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Sources: Reuters, AP, Philippines Daily Inquirer, South China Morning Post, BBC, ABS-CBN News.
Written by Kenji Tanaka, Asia-Pacific Bureau Chief