South China Sea disputes

In this exclusive interview, Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea at the Philippine Coast Guard, discusses the current situation near Second Thomas Shoal.

China's campaign of escalation against the Philippine-held Second Thomas Shoal will only strengthen Manila's ties with supportive outside powers.

Washington has once again affirmed that it has a treaty obligation to defend the Philippines against any armed attack in the contested waterway.

While minor, the two collisions demonstrate the dangers inherent in Beijing’s campaign of escalation in the South China Sea.

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.