The US could ramp up efforts to counter China in the South China Sea but that comes with risks, security experts told BI.

The Philippines says it detected no Chinese military exercise in the indicated area, and that Beijing fabricated the event for a domestic audience.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s comments came after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on China and ASEAN to revive negotiations over a Code of Conduct.

Southeast Asian leaders have stepped up pressure on China to respect international law following clashes in the disputed South China Sea.

Southeast Asian leaders stepped up pressure on China to respect international law following clashes in the disputed South China Sea, but Chinese Premier Li Qiang was defiant during annual summit talks on Thursday as he blamed "external forces" for interfering in regional affairs.