Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over 'threat' | East Asia Tonight Oct 19, 2026

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The Philippines summons China's ambassador over his remarks that Beijing could "easily win" a military confrontation between the countries. China's foreign ministry has urged Manila to rein in on politicians it accused of harming relations. Also on East Asia Tonight: China criticises Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's offering at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. Also, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are both in Central Asia, highlighting the region's growing strategic importance. Meanwhile, Singapore warns of tough action against firms behind the transboundary haze. 00:00 Headlines 01:40 Philippines calls Chinese envoy's remarks "provocative, unacceptable" 08:26 US' Rubio, China's Li Qiang in strategically important Central Asia 10:05 Singapore to issue haze prevention notices to three more firms in Indonesia 14:28 China's Q3 GDP growth beats forecasts at 4.5% on-year 20:48 Hong Kong's Pokemon card craze 28:31 57,000 personnel involved in largest-ever US-Japan joint military drills 36:42 Japan PM Takaichi's offerings to controversial shrine draws criticism 40:15 Beijing expected to become super-aged city by 2035 41:04 Young Chinese attracted to work in funeral industry