Despite increased Chinese military presence in the South China Sea, Southeast Asian nations remain undeterred in asserting their maritime claims.

China has called on the United Kingdom to respect its interests in the South China Sea and avoid provoking tensions in the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning made the call on Tuesday.

British foreign minister David Lammy yesterday condemned the ‘dangerous and destabilising’ actions in the disputed waters.

China has accused the Philippines of polluting the environment after it released footage it said showed troops burning rubbish at a disputed reef in the South China Sea. The video, published on social media by state broadcaster CGTN on Saturday,

China has hit out at Britain's Foreign Secretary for "sowing discord" with a visit to a contested site in the South China Sea.