South China Sea disputes

The criticisms followed another close call in contested waters, this time in the vicinity of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island.

The stand-off is just the latest to take place at Second Thomas Shoal, a Philippine-occupied feature in the South China Sea.

Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos' comments come two days after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a barrier that Chinese ships had installed at the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

The Philippine Coast Guard described China's installation of the barrier at Scarborough Shoal as "a clear violation of international law.”

The ASEAN Solidarity Exercise, which runs until September 23, is the first joint military drill that the Southeast Asian bloc has conducted on its own.

As with U.S.-Philippine ties, relations between Canberra and Manila have advanced rapidly since President Rodrigo Duterte left office.

During a meeting with ASEAN counterparts, Li Qiang implied that China and rival claimants could address outstanding disputes without the involvement of outside powers.

The maritime and territorial disputes with China are once again at the top of the Southeast Asian bloc's agenda.

The move follows an incident last month in which a Chinese vessel forcibly prevented the resupply of Filipino forces on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

Beijing's “new standard” map depicts the country's maximalist claim over nearly the entire South China Sea.

Marcos is overhauling Philippine strategy, and the strategic shift is as significant as any in the region.

The atoll in the South China Sea has been subject to what some observers have characterized as a Chinese blockade.