The Philippines’ involvement in a maritime dispute between Vietnam and China reflects a strategy to form alliances in the South China Sea, according to observers who believe that Manila is hoping Hanoi would “return the favour”.

The Philippines accused China's coast guard on Tuesday of firing water cannon at government ships taking supplies to fishermen at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, but Beijing said its "control measures" followed the boats' intrusions in its waters.

SUBIC, Philippines (Reuters) -- The armed forces of the Philippines, the United States and four other countries began joint naval exercises off the coast of the Philippines' northern Luzon island facing Taiwan in a display of naval strength amid rising tensions with China.

The nations' leaders committed to deepening maritime cooperation on Monday, as they upgraded relations and agreed to closer coastguard ties South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr agreed on Monday to boost defence cooperation as their countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership amid growing

The Philippines accused Chinese maritime officials on Friday of carrying out an "unjustified assault" on Vietnamese fishermen in the contested waters of the South China Sea, adding its voice to a fraught dispute over the confrontation.

The Philippines and South Korea upgraded their ties as a response to growing geopolitical tensions in East Asia

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has an opening during this week's summit with regional leaders in Laos to step up Canada's efforts to help Southeast Asian countries facing escalating threats from China,

The armed forces of the Philippines, the United States, and four other countries have begun joint naval exercises off the coast of the Philippines' northern Luzon, which borders Taiwan, according to Reuters.