The U.S. and the Philippines have launched their largest combat exercises, Balikatan drills in the South China Sea. For the first time, the drills will extend beyond 12 nautical miles off the Philippines coast and into the waters claimed by China. The military exercises come amid escalating maritime tensions between the Philippines and China. As Balikatan drills began, dozens of Chinese vessels were detected in the contested waters in the South China Sea, So, what is the maritime dispute between Manila and Beijing? We deep dive and tell you all about China's aggression in the region on WION Wideangle

Chinese vessels detected amid US-Philippines drills

"The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in the face of the PRC's maritime militia amassing at WhitsunReef. We will always stand by our allies and stand up for the rules-based international order," Blinken tweeted.

Blinken backs Philippines as hundreds of China vessels crowd disputed reef

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Chinese vessels detected amid US-Philippines drills

Blinken backs Philippines as hundreds of China vessels crowd disputed reef