The project will see the construction of military barracks and other infrastructure aimed at countering China’s activities in the disputed waters.

Activists and analysts expressed concern the deployment of the Typhon mid-range missile system could provoke retaliation from Beijing.

A senator claimed Chinese diplomats might be expelled if an investigation found they had violated the country’s anti-wiretapping law.

Increased patrols come after discovery of crushed corals near Sabina Shoal, as analyst says the move shows Manila is preparing for potential escalation of tensions.

This is the group’s second attempt at resupplying the fishermen after a failed try in December when Chinese vessels tailed the group’s main ship.

A report showing that 16,200 Chinese nationals who entered the Philippines as tourists and later received student visas in 2023 has alarmed analysts.

The Philippines has deployed a patrol ship to deter Chinese activities in an area near the Sabina Shoal after it found crushed reefs.

His press secretary insists Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s stance on allowing his predecessor’s arrest hasn’t changed. But a new justice department legal briefing suggests otherwise.

Move comes with both countries locked in an escalating war of words over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, as well as national security fears in Cagayan province.

Maritime assessment in March shows coral reefs on Pag-asa Island severely degraded, with debris around the area indicating the damage is man-made.

Military commanders also suggest recorded material, played to selected media, was fabricated.

Vice-Admiral Alberto Carlos has no mandate to strike a deal with China, who may have been attempting to shift the blame to Manila, analysts say.

Manila’s ability to police its waters is determined by maritime capacity, not political will, so more investment in the navy is required, an analyst says.

The Fujian aircraft carrier’s maiden mission has been deliberately timed to coincide with US-Philippines military drills, analysts say.

Officials emphasised that the live fire drill was not aimed at any specific nation, despite its proximity to the disputed waterways

Most analysts believe Trump would maintain the alliance to counter Beijing, but some said major shifts including a potential troop pull-out were possible

Scrutiny cast on internet service providers, lax enforcement and a disturbing culture compounded by poverty.

Marcos Jnr’s office says “no such directive exists” and Manila is working with various agencies to combat deepfakes.

The Philippine Navy says 124 Chinese vessels have been detected in the West Philippine Sea since the military drills began on Monday.

Intelligence officers have been sent to investigate potential national-security threats in Cagayan, where about 4,600 Chinese students reportedly live.

Some 4,600 Chinese nationals have been recorded to be living in the Cagayan area and enrolled in private universities in the city of Tuguegarao.

Several prominent Filipinos say the deal has effectively handed control of the Second Thomas Shoal to China.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte said Chinese President Xi Jinping strongly warned him against drilling for oil in the disputed waters.

Beijing’s reaction followed a directive by the Philippines to probe the reported online recruitment of Filipino military personnel as ‘part-time consultants’.

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez says the Philippines cannot continue being ‘accepting’ of Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has unveiled a six-year plan to counter the risks posed by digital intrusions from abroad following a spate of cyberattacks blamed on Chinese hackers.

Manila says the summit isn’t ‘directed at any country’. But analysts speculate it aims to strengthen maritime defensive efforts to counter China’s increasingly aggressive actions.

This year’s edition of the annual Balikatan joint military exercises will take place in areas outside Philippine territory along the outer edge of South China Sea’s waters.

Accepting defence and maritime security donations from foreign powers would be ‘the fuel to never-ending conflict’, said Senator Imee Marcos, sister to President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr.

While Manila should engage its allies and bolster its defence capabilities, the key to resolving the row is through ‘negotiations and direct talks’, analysts say.