Chinese FM warns Manila

On November 3, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with his Philippine counterpart, Maria Theresa Lazaro, at her request.

Wang Yi did not mince words:

- China-Philippines relations are facing "malicious interference".

- The actions of a few Philippine politicians are "irrational and intolerable".

So, has Manila got the message? Let's look at what this call tells us.

·Manila was the one that reached out. Why now? Look at the economic stakes. China is the Philippines' largest trading partner. Just one day before the call, 23 Philippine business and sectoral groups urged both governments to ease tensions, warning that prolonged friction could put their deep trade and economic ties at risk.

·Wang called on Manila to rein in politicians undermining bilateral ties. Put simply, Manila needs to rein in its defense minister and its military and police officials. Tell them to stop provoking China, or things could end badly.

Beijing has made its position clear. Manila has heard the warning. Now it's time to see whether it will act on it.