Chinese state media on Wednesday (Feb 26) called on the Philippines to withdraw the United States' "Typhon" intermediate range missile from the South China Sea, saying the Philippines had repeatedly broken its promises by introducing the missile system.

A Philippine plane warned a Chinese military helicopter over the South China Sea that it was "flying too close," as tension between the U.S. ally and Beijing soars.

The Philippines and Japan pledged to enhance their defense alliance through training exercises, logistical activities, equipment transfers and intelligence sharing on Monday amid China’s assertive moves in the South China Sea.