The 540-foot coast guard cutter has been operating within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone for over three weeks.

China told the Philippines on Wednesday, January 22 that it should cease spreading groundless accusations about the recent arrest of a Chinese national alleged to have engaged in espionage activities in Luzon.

Military bases jointly operated by U.S. and Philippine forces were among the sensitive sites where the car allegedly collected data.

Analysts say the agreement 'commits both states to a status quo' and urge the Philippines to hold firm on its South China Sea stance In a rare moment of accord amid their simmering feud over the South China Sea,

A Philippine security official says China is “pushing us to the wall” with growing aggression in the disputed South China Sea and warned that “all options are on the table” for Manila’s response, including new international lawsuits.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday deployed new assets to watch over China’s illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). PCG Spokesperson

The Philippine Coast Guard has entered its third week of actively challenging its Chinese counterparts, including a 12,000-ton “monster” China Coast Guard cutter within the country’s exclusive economic zone off Western Luzon.

The Philippines and China agreed to seek common ground and find ways to cooperate despite their disagreements in the South China Sea, their foreign ministries said on Thursday, as heated rows persist over vessels deployed around disputed features.

Philippine law enforcers have arrested a Chinese national on suspicion of espionage, recovering in his possession equipment authorities believe could be used for spying on military facilities.

Philippine security officials said on Monday they had arrested a Chinese software engineer suspected of spying on Filipino military and police camps.

LANGKAWI, Malaysia (Reuters) - The regional bloc ASEAN and China should make headway on a protracted code of conduct for the South China Sea by tackling thorny "milestone issues", including its scope and if it can be legally binding, the Philippines' top diplomat said on Saturday.

Japan, the Philippines and the United States vowed to further deepen cooperation under a trilateral arrangement in the face of rising tensions in Asia's waters, the three countries said following a call among their leaders.