Philippines

The announcement caps off two years that have seen a considerable strategic convergence between the two long-standing allies.

Once again, Manila has demonstrated its willingness to turn vital national infrastructure over to the private sector.

The pair of disasters have exposed the country's vulnerability and the weak infrastructure of its flood-prone cities.

Manila said that “no untoward incidents" took place during Saturday's mission to Second Thomas Shoal, but the two sides continue to trade public barbs.

The tanker Terra Nova sank Thursday after midnight in Manila Bay with about 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil stored in watertight tanks. 

The specifics of the agreement were not made public, but it is intended to "promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as military education and anti-terrorism."

The U.S. secretary of state will begin the six-nation tour with a visit to Vietnam to attend the funeral of the late Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong.

The announcement comes amid scrutiny of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs, and their alleged links to organized crime.

The 1987 Constitution explicitly prohibits political dynasticism, but an enabling law has never been passed.

The agreement, which is designed to reduce tensions at Second Thomas Shoal, was the subject of immediate disagreement between Beijing and Manila.

China and the Philippines have created such emergency telephone hotlines at lower levels in the past to better manage disputes.

Despite pledging to de-escalate tensions at Second Thomas Shoal, Beijing and Manila continue to exchange rhetorical fire.