Philippines protests China's sanctions on defense chief as unfriendly act

The Philippines has lodged a formal protest against China. China imposed sanctions on the Philippines' defense chief. Manila described the sanctions as an unfriendly act. The protest was communicated through diplomatic channels. Officials said the measures threaten bilateral security cooperation. The Philippines urged China to reverse the sanctions promptly. The dispute adds tension to already complex regional relations. Observers will monitor how the two nations address the issue.