Officials in Manila have said they want to acquire similar systems in the future as part of military modernization.

The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Wednesday said the Philippine government will make sure that the second international case against China in connection with the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will be “foolproof.

Vietnam lodged a formal protest against China and the Philippines for activities that it said violate its sovereignty in the Spratly Islands area, in a move that underscores the persistent tensions over contested waters in the South China Sea.

The encounter was notable for the involvement of naval vessels—a rare occurrence in a long-running dispute more commonly played out by the nations' coast guards, seen as posing a lower risk of escalation into an armed conflict.

PHILIPPINE financial markets could get some short-term reprieve from the volatility it saw in recent months after the United States and China on Monday agreed to slash tariffs temporarily.

Vice President Sara Duterte has shrugged off allegations of House Deputy Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega V that she is mum on the illegal activities of China on Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea.

China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its own waters, which has led to disputes not only with the Philippines but also with Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.

The outcome of the polls could shape the country's strategic positioning. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

China and Brazil pledged on Tuesday to defend free trade and multilateralism as the two countries signed 20 agreements in Beijing to strengthen their ties amid global trade uncertainties.