The Philippines and Japan pledged to enhance their defense alliance through training exercises, logistical activities, equipment transfers and intelligence sharing on Monday amid China’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.

China's activity in the contested South China Sea is "hindering" Filipino companies from exploring natural resources in the region, Philippines Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said during a talk at Chatham House in London on Tuesday.

The incident marks the second confrontation this week between Manila and Beijing over disputed South China Sea islands.

"The Philippines has no major external security threats, but has turned itself into a country that undermines regional peace and stability through a militarization carnival," said Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Issues at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

Maritime tensions between China and the Philippines were in the spotlight at the Munich Security Conference, with former Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying calling the occupation of disputed features in the South China Sea “a red line.”

Vietnam has quietly expanded its foothold in the South China Sea. Unlike with China, the rest of the region is turning a blind eye. The post Vietnam Is Also Expanding Its Foothold in the South China Sea appeared first on World Politics Review.

While Russia's war against Ukraine and a wavering transatlantic alliance drew the world's attention at this year's Munich Security Conference, sparks also flew over claims in the Sea as debate involving participants representing Beijing and Manila dug into their positions in the region.

China accused Australia on Friday of deliberately provoking it with a maritime patrol in the disputed South China Sea this week, saying the latter was spreading "false narratives", though Australia maintained its action adhered to international law.

The visit of France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, follows joint combat drills with Filipino forces, a move likely to antagonise China.