Philippines and U.S. Launch Joint Patrols, Vietnam Expands South China Sea Islands, Philippines Rejects China's Prior Notice

Philippines and the United States launch joint maritime and air patrols in the South China Sea to strengthen ties and assert their defense treaty alliance. Vietnam significantly ramps up its South China Sea island expansion, creating an additional 330 acres of land, making it the second largest island builder in the Spratly Islands. The Philippines rejects China's call for prior notice on resupply missions, insisting on conducting the missions without notification.