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.

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.

China harasses a U.S. ally after its President says he’d back Taiwan.

Beijing protests over USS Higgins’ presence near Scarborough Shoal while American navy says its presence is lawful.

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,

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 United States is disputing China’s claim that it chased away an American warship conducting a freedom of navigation operation near Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday. A U.S. guided-missile destroyer sailed near Scarborough Shoal two days after two Chinese ships collided near the disputed feature while chasing a Philippine Coast Guard vessel.

The Philippines wants China to "draw lessons" from a collision between two of its own ships yesterday while harassing a Philippine patrol vessel near Scarborough Shoal, saying the incident is a reminder to abide by international maritime rules.