A US Navy guided-missile destroyer performed a so-called Freedom of Navigation operation (FONOP) near disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Wednesday, just two days after two Chinese military vessels collided while chasing a Philippine Coast Guard ship in nearby waters.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson underscored the importance of recent American naval operations near the Scarborough Shoal, describing them as vital demonstrations of her country's commitment to freedom of navigation and the enforcement of international maritime law.

This comes after a Chinese warship crashed into one of its own country's coast guard vessels as it chased a patrol boat belonging to the Philippines

The Philippine government has no responsibility over the collision of two Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday. The China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3104 collided with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship

Australia on Friday launched its largest military exercises with Philippine forces, involving more than 3,600 military personnel in live-fire drills, battle maneuvers and a beach assault at a Philippine town facing the disputed South China Sea,

The Philippines does not want to go to war but will never order its vessels to withdraw from contested areas, the country’s president said following yet another coastguard encounter with China near Scarborough Shoal.

A Chinese coast guard and navy destroyer collided during a dramatic confrontation with Philippine government forces in the South China Sea. Footage released by Manila captured the accident, which severely damaged the coast guard cutter.