- America's top military commander in the Indo-Pacific warned the U.S. will not allow China to dominate the region, accusing Beijing of using the law as a weapon to intimidate its neighbors.
- Adm. Samuel Paparo said some countries are hiding behind "false claims of legitimacy," arguing there is a crucial difference between the rule of law and "rule by law."
- The warning comes as tensions boil over in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has repeatedly accused Chinese vessels of dangerous confrontations and blocking its ships. China rejects the allegations.
- Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro vowed Manila would continue to "push back," saying China's growing military reach now extends well beyond the disputed waters.
- Even as the war of words intensifies, ASEAN officials say long-running talks with China on a South China Sea code of conduct have gathered pace, raising hopes of a deal before the end of the year.
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