Tensions soared in the South China Sea on February 20 as Chinese military forces expelled three Philippine aircraft accused of illegally breaching airspace over the disputed Nansha Qundao islands. According to a spokesperson from the People’s Liberation Army,

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.

China's activity in the contested South China Sea is "hindering" Filipino companies from exploring natural resources in the region, Philippines Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said during a talk at Chatham House in London on Tuesday.

The countries' military exercises last week are likely to displease China, which claims ownership over most of the South China Sea. View on euronews

While Russia's war against Ukraine and a wavering transatlantic alliance drew the world's attention at this year's Munich Security Conference, sparks also flew over claims in the Sea as debate involving participants representing Beijing and Manila dug into their positions in the region.