The United States is discussing the possible deployment of more missile launchers to the Philippines to strengthen deterrence against aggression in the disputed South China Sea and other security hotspots,

First confrontation between Chinese and US warships near Scarborough Shoal in six years comes after a pair of Chinese vessels collide while chasing away a Philippine ship from disputed atoll

The Philippines coastguard claims that a fighter tailed one of its aircraft and performed manoeuvres at close proximity.