South China Sea disputes

The trip will focus on strengthening longstanding economic relations and expanding the two nations' more recent cooperation on defense and security matters.

The head of the PCG announced that it would increase sea patrols and overflights to defend the country's maritime claims.

Although both sides have kept it low key, Chinese coast guard activities are continuing in areas claimed by Manila.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking, which expired in 2008, was unconstitutional, casting a shadow over future joint oil development plans.

As China reopens its borders, it can finally resume normal exchanges with Southeast Asian countries. But there are several potential pitfalls to watch out for.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Xi Jinping agreed to restart joint oil and gas exploration and set up a direct channel of communication on South China Sea issues.

Alluding to the two countries' territorial dispute in the South China Sea, Marcos said he looks forward to discussing bilateral and regional political and security issues.

The dispute had led to clashes over illegal fishing, and hamstrung the establishment of a united front against China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippine navy chief said that the country plans to procure 15 more Shaldag Mark V gunboats, in addition to the nine it has already ordered.

The incident close to the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island was just the latest between the two nations in the disputed South China Sea.

The U.S. vice president's visit to the Philippines has seemingly closed the book on the problems and tensions of the Rodrigo Duterte era.

Kamala Harris is the highest-ranking Biden administration official to visit the country, marking a revival of ties after the tensions of the Duterte years.