Why Philippines is muzzling anti-China rhetoric ahead of crucial Asean talks

The Philippine foreign affairs department’s rare rebuke of officials and agencies over anti-China rhetoric could signal Manila’s bid to rein in tensions ahead of the Asean summit next week – but also internal disagreements over strategy, according to analysts.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday said public criticism of China could undermine diplomatic efforts.

“In high-stakes diplomacy, a disciplined and coherent national voice remains essential to advancing our national...