China told Asean officials that the weapons system, which can fire Tomahawk cruise missiles, is a serious threat to regional security and stability,

Philippine authorities have defended Vice-Admiral Alberto Carlos but critics continue to doubt him in light of his 2008 attendance at China’s Naval Command College.

War of words over disputed Second Thomas Shoal goes up a notch as purported transcript of resupply deal prompts call for Chinese diplomats to be expelled.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said the Chinese embassy’s actions ‘should not be allowed to pass unsanctioned without serious penalty’.

Move comes with both countries locked in an escalating war of words over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, as well as national security fears in Cagayan province.

Manuel Mamba said Chinese minister Sun Weidong conveyed the warning to him in a meeting last year in Beijing.

Maritime assessment in March shows coral reefs on Pag-asa Island severely degraded, with debris around the area indicating the damage is man-made.

China feels the Philippines has broken its word and badly damaged political trust, observer says.

Economic Planning Secretary Balisacan said there was no attempt to sideline Chinese investors even as the two nations increasingly engaged in diplomatic stand-offs.

Military commanders also suggest recorded material, played to selected media, was fabricated.

Emerging alliance expected to undertake more maritime exercises and provide greater security help to the Philippines in its South China Sea claims.

The proposed energy facilities could be used to power military bases on the Chinese-built artificial islands, Philippine official says.

Vice-Admiral Alberto Carlos has no mandate to strike a deal with China, who may have been attempting to shift the blame to Manila, analysts say.

An island-retaking exercise in the far north of the Philippines appears to be in preparation for hostilities breaking out over Taiwan, observers say.

Manila’s ability to police its waters is determined by maritime capacity, not political will, so more investment in the navy is required, an analyst says.

The Philippines has played its cards right by signalling that it’s ‘willing to work with anyone’ for strategic advantage, analysts say.

The Fujian aircraft carrier’s maiden mission has been deliberately timed to coincide with US-Philippines military drills, analysts say.

The Chinese embassy in Manila had said China and the Philippines earlier this year agreed on a ‘new model’ for the Second Thomas Shoal.

US troops let loose dozens of howitzer shells as Filipino forces followed up with rockets and Javelin missiles, before the imaginary enemy was whittled down with machine-gun fire and artillery rounds.

Readers discuss China’s position on the South China Sea, and US action against student protesters.

The two countries will discuss a visiting forces agreement, a month after French troops took part in the annual Balikatan exercises.

Officials emphasised that the live fire drill was not aimed at any specific nation, despite its proximity to the disputed waterways

Manila summoned the number two official at the Chinese embassy to protest Beijing’s use of water cannon against its vessels in the disputed Scarborough Shoal

Most analysts believe Trump would maintain the alliance to counter Beijing, but some said major shifts including a potential troop pull-out were possible

Manila’s defence chief said the Philippines has a ‘range of options’ to counter China, signalling that he wants maritime operations to be ‘less telegraphic’.

Observers speculate the investigation is politically motivated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s ongoing feud with his predecessor.