But Trump himself took a different tone toward negotiations with China, as top US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are set to meet with Chinese counterparts this weekend.

Likely Tokyo-Manila intelligence deal, months after US-Manila pact, expected to boost scrutiny of Beijing in South China Sea, Taiwan Strait.

Allegations, if true, could lead to expulsion of embassy personnel and legal action under a law targeting subversive acts during peacetime, analysts say.