Philippines summons Chinese ambassador to protest remarks it says threatened force

The Philippine government has summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest remarks it considered a threat to use forceMANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine government summoned the Chinese ambassador Monday to protest remarks it considered a threat to use force, saying it will not accept attempts to intimidate Philippine officials critical of Beijing’s actions in the disputed South China Sea.Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro relayed to Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan the Philippine government’s serious concern and “strong objection" to his statement on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said.China and the Philippines have long clashed over South China Sea territories but tense confrontations at sea and heated verbal exchanges have escalated between Manila and Beijing in recent years under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.China claims virtually the entire waterway, a key global trade route, as its sovereign territory. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all have separate claims to the waters.The department said that it “reserves the right to take further diplomatic action as it deems necessary.” Some Philippine legislators have called for th...