A senior US defence official said it was “a bold step in defending their own sovereignty”. Read more at straitstimes.com.

A Philippine admiral says Filipino forces will dismantle any floating barrier that China’s coast guard may install in the disputed South China Sea. Philippine Vice Adm.

The Philippines vowed on Tuesday not to back down in the face of a Chinese effort to block its fishermen from a fiercely contested shoal in the South China Sea, while Beijing warned the Southeast Asian nation not to "provoke and cause trouble".

Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos’ comments come two days after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a barrier that Chinese ships had installed at the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

The Philippines said on Tuesday there were no signs of a standoff at a fiercely contested, China-held shoal in the South China Sea, a day after its coastguard severed a floating barrier installed by Beijing to block its fishermen.

Analysts say stronger Philippine responses may force Beijing to recalibrate strategies, and inspire other Southeast Asian countries to emulate its tactics

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that China remains resolute in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over China's Huangyan Island in the South China Sea.

The Philippines and the European Union have jointly called on countries with conflicting claims in the South China Sea to avoid using force, which they believe contributes to the uncertainty in the region.