Obama defended his strategy in Afghanistan after former Pentagon chief Robert Gates criticized Obama's lack of passion for military action and loss of confidence in commanders. Gates said his memoir was hijacked for political reasons and that he agreed with Obama's decisions. Taiwan rejected China's new fisheries law over the South China Sea but also dismissed the Philippines' claim over the Spratlys. Pope Francis warned new cardinals to avoid worldliness and celebrations, saying the role of cardinal demands a wider view and bigger heart to serve. The Philippines weather agency warned of possible landslides and flashfloods in parts of the Visayas, Bicol, Caraga and northern Mindanao due to a low pressure area affecting Mindanao and killing 13 people