Beijing has repeatedly accused the Philippines of being in a pawn in U.S. efforts to contain China's rise and touted bilateral dialogue with its neighbor as the only solution to their territorial dispute.

China is expanding its visa-free entry to 75 countries as part of a broader campaign to boost inbound tourism.

Germany said the laser was fired from a Chinese warship, pictured here off the coast of Taiwan last year China has disputed Germany's claim that it targeted a military plane with a laser fired from a warship,