China has conducted military patrols in the South China Sea while the Philippines was holding joint naval drills with the U.S., Japan and Australia, saying Manila is undermining Beijing's claims in the region.

Philippine Airlines will boost its connectivity to mainland China with the launch of non-stop Manila to Beijing flights

The training involved three Philippine FA-50 fighters and drills to enhance air domain awareness and joint combat capabilities.

Air patrol exercise underscores Manila’s efforts to assert its maritime claims while testing US commitment to regional security, analysts say.