Officials in Manila have said they want to acquire similar systems in the future as part of military modernization.

The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Wednesday said the Philippine government will make sure that the second international case against China in connection with the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will be “foolproof.

Vietnam lodged a formal protest against China and the Philippines for activities that it said violate its sovereignty in the Spratly Islands area, in a move that underscores the persistent tensions over contested waters in the South China Sea.

The encounter was notable for the involvement of naval vessels—a rare occurrence in a long-running dispute more commonly played out by the nations' coast guards, seen as posing a lower risk of escalation into an armed conflict.

China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its own waters, which has led to disputes not only with the Philippines but also with Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.

After swinging between Beijing and Washington, Manila seeks a steadier maritime policy that will endure beyond the current administration.

China says Filipino ship 'expelled' from its waters, while Manila says Beijing committed 'aggressive and unsafe maneuvers' - Anadolu Ajansı

The outcome of the polls could shape the country's strategic positioning. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Testing in the Philippines of smuggled vegetables has found they were positive for heavy metals and Salmonella. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu