MANILA, Philippines — China’s defense ministry slammed the Philippines for “courting influence from outside powers” in reaction to the country’s recently concluded biennial drills with Australia in the West Philippine Sea. However, military officials from the Philippines and Australia took exception to the remarks pertaining to the recently concluded Amphibious Landing Operation (Alon) Exercise. China’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang, in a Wednesday press conference, said the Philippine side “has repeatedly courted influence from outside powers to make waves in this area.” During the drills, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warships, joined by Australia and Canada, sailed […]... Keep on reading: China accuses PH of ‘courting influence’ after Australia drills