The Latest Breaking News from South China Sea

Biden on Thursday pledged to defend the Philippines from any attack in the South China Sea at the White House summit, which came amid repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed waterway that have raised fears of wider conflict.

Meeting in Washington, DC, the leaders of Japan, the Philippines and US stress importance of abiding by maritime law.

The maritime activities took place days before US President Joe Biden was due to hold the first trilateral summit with the leaders of the Philippines and Japan, with growing tensions over the hotly contested South China Sea on the agenda.

China conducted "combat patrols" Sunday in the South China Sea, its army said, the same day the Philippines, the United States, Japan and Australia held their first joint drills in the disputed waters.

Beijing’s naval and air patrols in the disputed waterway take place as several US allies conduct first joint drills.

Learn about the joint naval exercises planned by US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines in the South China Sea to counter Beijing's assertive actions.

Recent clashes between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea have raised concerns of a maritime escalation.

The United States, Australia, Japan and the Philippines will hold joint naval and air drills in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday, their defence chiefs said in a statement, as they deepen ties to counter China's growing assertiveness in the region.

The Philippines asserts its stance against China's actions in the South China Sea, leading to escalating tensions over a naval vessel repair at Second Thom...