A Philippine senator visited a disputed island in the South China Sea, publicly challenging China's territorial claims in the region.

The US and Philippines are bolstering their defense in the South China Sea by deploying advanced missile systems. This move, aimed at deterring China's assertive actions, follows joint condemnation of Beijing's "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities." The allies are also increasing joint military drills and modernizing the Philippine armed forces, with the US planning further deployments of sophisticated weaponry.

A leaked letter from the Philippines’ foreign secretary has revealed internal divisions within the country regarding its public approach to confronting Beijing in the South China Sea.

By Jam Sta Rosa A Philippine senator called for deepening defence relationships and “continuous” pushback against China’s claims in the South China Sea while visiting one of Manila’s tiny possessions in the disputed waterway on Saturday. Thitu Island, known as Pag-asa in the Philippines, is home to about 400 Filipinos, mostly fishermen and their families, […]

Diplomatic dispute escalates as Beijing and Manila present competing narratives over the South China Sea.

U.S. Plans to Deploy More Missile Systems in the Philippines, Challenging China  The Wall Street Journal

Manila is employing a strategy of both defiance and diplomacy in its ongoing dispute with China over the South China Sea, as political dialogue resumes after a year.