The U.S. military's Typhon launchers which can fire multi-purpose missiles up to thousands of kilometres will stay in the Philippines for the time being, the national security adviser to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Philippines will soon decide on an international platform to sue China for alleged damage to the marine environment, its justice minister said, as it pursues a second high-profile legal challenge against Beijing over the South China Sea.

The US secretary of state opens his term by reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the Philippines and other regional allies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US remained committed to the Philippines' defense as tensions simmer with Beijing in the South China Sea.

New U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed China's "dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea" with his Philippine counterpart on Wednesday and underscored the "ironclad" U.S.

The protest stems from the presence of two coast guard vessels on Jan. 5 and Jan. 10 in and around the disputed Scarborough shoal

Mr Rubio discussed the “dangerous and destabilising actions in the South China Sea” by China. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Analysts say the agreement ‘commits both states to a status quo’ and urge the Philippines to hold firm on its South China Sea stance.

LANGKAWI, Malaysia (Reuters) - The regional bloc ASEAN and China should make headway on a protracted code of conduct for the South China Sea by tackling thorny "milestone issues", including its scope and if it can be legally binding, the Philippines' top diplomat said on Saturday.

Donald Trump was soft on China in his inauguration day speeches, prompting suggestions he might want to do a deal with Xi Jinping.

A civilian vessel from the Philippines delivered supplies to its warship at Second Thomas Shoal with China's permission, according to China's coast guard. The Philippine embassy in Beijing has not yet commented on China's statement.