Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro says Southeast Asian countries should steadfastly maintain restraint and adhere to international law as acts of aggression across Asia and “unilateral actions” elsewhere in the world threaten the rules-based global order.

Japan and the Philippines have signed a defense pact that will allow the tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities when their forces stage joint training to boost deterrence against China’s growing aggression in the region and to bolster their preparation for natural disasters.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has warned Southeast Asian counterparts that neutrality is shrinking due to big power rivalry.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet commander says China has failed to intimidate rival claimant states into surrendering their sovereign interests in the South China Sea despite its intensifying “bullying tactics” and the United States and other allied countries are ready to further boost deterrence against Beijing’s aggression.

The Philippines' ambassador to the U.S. said President Donald Trump will host his Philippine counterpart in the White House to discuss how the longtime treaty allies can further deepen their security and economic engagements and bolster deterrence against aggression in Asian security flashpoints.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is calling for calm in the Taiwan Strait, urging against any “provocative action” in the wake of a visit to Taipei by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that has infuriated Beijing.