American and Philippine forces sink a decommissioned Philippine Navy ship during a large-scale joint military exercise in the South China Sea that simulated combat operations with an enemy ship.
The Philippines has ordered a maritime security beef-up to counter the challenges of territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea amid escalating tensions and mutual accusations.
The Philippines will take countermeasures against "dangerous attacks" by Chinese ships and is negotiating with allies to protect its sovereignty in the South China Sea dispute.
The Philippine Defense Minister has vowed to defend the country's sovereignty against threats of secession from the southern island of Mindanao by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Vietnam and the Philippines signed a maritime cooperation agreement on Tuesday to help better manage conflicts amid threats from China in the South China Sea.