BEIJING TIGHTENS GRIP ON SOUTH CHINA SEA AS UNCLE SAM EYES GAZE TOWARD MIDDLE EAST

What happened: China's ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, said China "may easily win" a confrontation with the Philippines. Manila summoned him on Monday to protest, as the U.S. diverts warships to the Middle East. Key numbers: Liaoning conducted about 10 aircraft takeoffs and landings in the Philippine Sea on Oct. Why it matters: Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro called the remarks "provocative and unacceptable." Analysts cited in the content said Beijing acts when the U.S. is engaged elsewhere, and that U.S. munitions stockpiles would take years to restore.

China's ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, said China "may easily win" a confrontation with the Philippines. Manila summoned him on Monday to protest, as the U.S. diverts warships to the Middle East.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro called the remarks "provocative and unacceptable." Analysts cited in the content said Beijing acts when the U.S. is engaged elsewhere, and that U.S. munitions stockpiles would take years to restore.