An expert told Newsweek China is hostile due to frustration at the presence of the U.S. Typhon missile system in the Philippines.

Four major developments shaped the security environment in the South China Sea in 2024: (1) increased Chinese coercion against Philippine naval vessels and aircraft; (2) adoption of a new maritime defense strategy by the Philippines;

Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, had his first conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Minister Wang Yi, the State Department reported. Rubio emphasized that the United States would be guided by the principle of "America First" and declared support for the U.