The U.S. military is back in the Philippines after a fourteen-year hiatus, sending the message that it will work with its allies to pushback on Beijing’s expanding presence in the disputed SCS, while also reinforcing belief amongst the Chinese and many others that U.S. is only raising military stakes to thwart China’s rise.

China’s President Xi Jinping has said territorial disputes in the South China Sea must be resolved through negotiations between the countries involved.

Two-day event marks the 25th anniversary of the start of the dialogue and comes ahead of The Hague’s ruling on territorial dispute

China accused the US on Monday of "hyping up" recent military flights around a Chinese island in the South China Sea.

The U.S. military conducted "freedom of navigation" operations against 13 countries last year, including several in dispute of China's claims in the South and East China seas, according to an annual Pentagon report released on Monday.

China has agreed with Brunei, Cambodia and Laos that the South China Sea territorial ­dispute should not affect relations between Beijing’s and Asean, China’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

In the past six years, Washington and Manila have been cementing a military alliance, which is reassuring to many Filipinos but leaves some apprehensive – including the leading presidential contenders. Dr. Steinbcok poses that true hedging would seek security benefits from the U.S. defense umbrella; economic returns from trade and investment with China; and political advantages from cooperation with both nations.

The move by the Philippines to take its territorial disputes to an international tribunal constitutes a serious threat to regional peace and stability. China will neither accept nor participate in the arbitration process. No matter what the final ruling will be, China will not recognize or implement it.

China's Defense Ministry on Tuesday rejected queries by the U.S. military as to why China had used a military aircraft to evacuate sick workers from a new airport on an island China has built in the disputed South China Sea.

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III compares China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative with the U.S.'s Rebalance to Asia, ultimately advising that for the U.S. to be seen as not reacting to China's growing regional influence, it would need a better appreciation of the security needs, growing aspirations, and economic demands of rising powers.