The Philippines and its security allies would take measures to counter any attempt by China to impose an air defense zone or restrict freedom of flights over the South China Sea , Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said Wednesday.

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,

Indonesia is one of the founding members of ASEAN and long served as its de facto leader, playing a crucial role in mediating regional crises. Analysts warned that its leadership in the group on the South China Sea issue would wane if it stopped championing international legal norms.

The Philippines and its security allies would take measures to counter any attempt by China to impose an air defence zone or restrict freedom of flights over the South China Sea, Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Wednesday (March 6),

Philippines defence secretary warns that country will take action against China’s increasing aggression in the disputed waters.

Philippines officials accused a Chinese government-owned broadcaster of spreading misleading information and propaganda following its claim that a Philippine vessel was intentionally polluting the waters of the South China Sea,