South China Sea

The South China Sea dispute involves overlapping territorial claims by several countries, including the Philippines, which asserts sovereignty over areas like Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has adopted a diplomatic approach, emphasizing patience and restraint while strengthening defense alliances with nations like Japan and Canada. The US continues to urge China to comply with the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that favored Philippine claims in the South China Sea.

This is an AI-generated summary based on recent coverage.
Last updated at August 2, 2025.

Recent stories about South China Sea

Phil Coast Guard: Chinese release of old Ayungin Shoal footage misleading

Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela clarified that footage showing a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and a Philippine Navy boat at Ayungin Shoal is an 'old video' from June of the previous year.
Read full story

Philippines, India expand maritime ties during Marcos' visit

The Philippines aims to expand maritime cooperation with India during President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s state visit next week.
Read full story

23 Chinese ships spotted in WPS; PH Navy patrols continue

A Philippine Navy official reported on Tuesday that 23 Chinese naval and coast guard ships were monitored in key areas of the West Philippine Sea from July 14 to 27, marking a resurgence after a brief lull due to severe weather.
Read full story

Marcos reiterates 'friend to all, enemy to none' foreign policy

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines' 'friend to all, enemy to none' foreign policy during his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday.
Read full story

US, PH discuss establishing ammo plant in Subic Bay to boost defense

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism during his first face-to-face meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House on Tuesday, July 22, about establishing an ammunition manufacturing facility in Subic Bay.
Read full story

Philippines to get first FA-50 jets from South Korea by 2028

South Korea aims to deliver the first three of 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft to the Philippines before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s term ends in 2028, with full delivery expected by 2030.
Read full story

Philippine troops at West Philippine Sea features safe despite bad weather

The Philippine Navy reported on Tuesday that military personnel manning nine features in the West Philippine Sea, including those aboard BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, are safe despite recent bad weather caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon.
Read full story

Marcos Jr., Trump reaffirm defense ties, discuss economic cooperation

During a three-day official visit to Washington, D.C., President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and discussed strengthening economic and defense ties.
Read full story

Marcos Jr., Hegseth discuss PH-US alliance at Pentagon

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the Philippines-US alliance's role in preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region during his meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Tuesday.
Read full story

Marcos Jr. meets Trump in Washington to negotiate tariffs and strengthen ties

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Washington D.C. on Sunday, July 20, ahead of his fifth visit aimed at negotiating the new 20% tariff imposed on Philippine exports and fostering greater economic engagement with the U.S.
Read full story