BEIJING, China (The Adobo Chronicles, Beijing Bureau) -China has called for a rematch with Gilas Pilipinas after a humiliating loss at the 2023 Asian Games. The Filipino underdogs miraculously clawed their way back from a massive deficit to defeat the Chinese team 77-76, with Gilas coach Tim Cone masterfully shuffling players in and out as needed in the last 1 1/2 minutes with China up by 7.

Now, it seems that China is not willing to let this defeat slide.

China, with its trademark sportsmanship, has graciously offered the Philippines the chance to pick the date and venue for the rematch. But what’s really at stake here? It’s not just basketball pride; it’s the disputed territories in the South China Sea. 

China has boldly declared that if Gilas Pilipinas manages to pull off another victory, they’ll toss out all its their territorial claims in the South. China Sea against the Philippines. No need for pesky United Nations involvement or international arbitration. 

As of publication time, the Philippines has not issued a formal response to China’s challenge.

(Melchor Vergara contributed to this report)