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 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 Philippines is preparing to take legal action against China for alleged environmental damage in the South China Sea. The south east nation seeks compensation for harm to coral reefs and marine life.

China has pushed Philippines “to the wall” leaving it with only drastic options to stop intimidation, official adds.

The newly installed Trump administration has quickly reaffirmed America’s strong support for the Philippines in the face of an increasingly aggressive China in the disputed South China Sea, despite doubts to the contrary voiced by some observers.

Japan, the Philippines and the United States vowed to further deepen cooperation under a trilateral arrangement in the face of rising tensions in Asia's waters, the three countries said following a call among their leaders.

Japan and the Philippines plan to convey to President-elect Donald Trump the urgent need for the U.S. to remain committed to upholding the rule of law in an Asian region where China's actions are causing concerns.

MANILA: Japan and the Philippines vowed on Wednesday (Jan 15) to strengthen security cooperation to counter China's actions in key sea trade routes, amid speculation incoming United States President Donald Trump could scale back security commitments in Asia.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines says that nearly 200 Afghan nationals have been flown on to the United States after having their special immigration visas processed in the Philippines

The Chinese military conducted joint sea-air combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea from Friday to Saturday to maintain peace and stability in the area, according to a statement by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command.

Chinese side made solemn representations over the recent infringement and provocative activities of the Philippine side in the South China Sea and hyping China-Philippine disputes relating to the South China Sea during the Tenth Meeting of the China and Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea,