South China Sea

The South China Sea is a strategic body of water disputed by multiple countries including the Philippines, which has been actively defending its territorial claims against China's expansive assertions. Recent developments include Philippine diplomats raising concerns over Chinese actions during ASEAN-China Code of Conduct talks in Manila and Google labeling part of the sea as the 'West Philippine Sea,' reinforcing the Philippines' legal claim supported by a 2016 arbitral ruling.

This is an AI-generated summary based on recent coverage.
Last updated at April 23, 2025.

Recent stories about South China Sea

Chinese naval vessels near Batanes, Dalupiri amid US-Philippine drills

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Philippine Navy reported monitoring an unusual presence of a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Shandong-class aircraft carrier along with six escort ships and two support vessels near Batanes province, within three nautical miles southwest of Babuyan Islands.
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China's commitment to legally binding COC uncertain

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo stated that both ASEAN and China remain committed to finalizing a South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC) by next year, but the legal enforceability of the COC remains contentious.
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China criticizes PH-US joint drills in South China Sea

On Tuesday, April 22, China criticized the Philippines and United States for starting joint military drills in the South China Sea, describing them as detrimental to regional stability and economic prospects.
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BRP Gabriela Silang returns from 26-day mission to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam

The BRP Gabriela Silang returned to the Port Area in Manila on Monday after its 26-day mission to Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
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Malaca帽ang elated as Google Maps labels West Philippine Sea

Malaca帽ang expressed elation over Google Maps labeling the West Philippine Sea (WPS), with Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasizing its significance for the country's maritime claims.
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US Senate delegation meets Filipino officials, reaffirms support for PH-U.S. alliance

A U.S. Senate delegation reaffirmed support for the Philippine-U.S. alliance during meetings with Filipino officials on Monday, April 14.
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Chinese vessel blocks Philippine coast guard ship near Bajo de Masinloc

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel 'dangerously blocked' BRP Cabra during a maritime patrol near Bajo de Masinloc on Monday, April 14.
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House Speaker Romualdez praises Google Maps for recognizing 'West Philippine Sea'

House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed Google Maps for recognizing the label 'West Philippine Sea', calling it a simple yet powerful update reflecting global acknowledgment of the Philippines' maritime claims.
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ASEAN seeks US collaboration on trade, avoids tariffs

Southeast Asia's economic managers are seeking open communication and collaboration with the US in response to President Donald Trump Jr.'s 'reciprocal tariffs', rather than engaging in a trade war.
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Google Maps labels 'West Philippine Sea' following SC ruling

Google Maps now displays 'West Philippine Sea' following searches related to Scarborough Shoal or Panatag Shoal, making the label more visible at various zoom levels.
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