The Philippines suspects China is attempting to reclaim land at Sabina Shoal. It has pointed to underwater mounds of crushed coral on Sabina's sandbars, which its coast guard filmed, saying Beijing is using that material to expand the shoal. Chinese state media has called such accusations "groundless".

China's actions in the South China Sea are "patently illegal", the Philippines' defence secretary said Monday following a clash in disputed waters on Sunday over what Manila said was a resupply mission for fishermen.

Indo-Pacific commander Adm. Samuel Paparo says the U.S. military is open to the possibility of escorting Philippine ships in the disputed South China Sea, depending on consultations under the allies’