US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson underscored the importance of recent US Navy operations near the Scarborough Shoal, describing them as vital demonstrations of America’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.

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

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.

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,

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.

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.