Move follows publication of leaked document warning Malaysia off oil drilling by Philippine media outlet.
The Sabina Shoal is the new flashpoint in the maritime confrontations between Manila and Beijing.
US official also met President Xi during a visit aimed at easing tensions before the US presidential election.
The Philippines accuses China of firing flares at one of its aircraft as it patrolled over the contested waterway.
They blame each other for the early morning incident at Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
What positions will US VP pick take on current foreign policy issues, namely Israel-Palestine, Russia-Ukraine and China?
Chinese military buzzes contested Scarborough Shoal, as Philippines runs war games with US and other Western allies.
![A Chinese People's Liberation Navy ship sails near the location where volunteers from the civilian-led mission Atin Ito (This Is Ours) Coalition distributed fuel and food to fishers , in the disputed South China Sea on May 16, 2024 [Ted ALJIBE / AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/china-sea-1723012279.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
US taking ‘bold steps’ to strengthen alliance says defence chief as Washington bids for increased regional influence.
Manila and Washington have grown closer amid increasing tension with Beijing in the disputed South China Sea.
The US defence chief says the US command’s upgrade in Japan is the most significant progress in their alliance.
Philippine president makes remarks as Beijing and Manila agree on a deal to defuse tensions at the Second Thomas Shoal.
Provisional agreement aims to ease tensions after series of clashes on Second Thomas Shoal, which both countries claim.
President Marcos says he’s in favour of peaceful resolution but refuses to be intimidated after a navy clash with China.
China’s Coast Guard has been filmed brandishing axes and blades and ramming Philippine ships in the South China Sea.