China bars Philippines defence chief as South China Sea spat sails onwards

China has barred the Philippines' Defence Secretary and his family from entering the country, citing comments he made about Beijing's claims in the South China Sea. The ban includes Hong Kong and Macau. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that organisations and individuals in China will not be permitted to engage in any transaction or activities with the Defence Secretary and his family. This move marks an escalation in tensions between the two countries over the South China Sea.