MANILA, Nov 15 - Relations between Manila and Beijing have soured under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, with Manila pivoting back towards the United States, which supports the Southeast Asian nation in its maritime disputes with China.
Here is a timeline of key events over the last two years that have escalated tensions between the Philippines and China:
JANUARY 6 – Philippines deploys ships, aircraft to monitor China's largest coast guard vessel in exclusive economic zone.
FEBRUARY 18 – Manila accuses Chinese navy of a dangerous flyby near Scarborough Shoal; Beijing disputes.
MARCH 28 – China deploys two H-6 bombers around Scarborough Shoal, satellite images show.
MAY 5 – Philippines challenges Chinese research ship over what it says was an illegal marine survey off Ilocos coast.
AUGUST 4 – Philippine, Indian navies sail together for first time in South China Sea.
AUGUST 12 – Manila criticises Chinese "dangerous manoeuvres" at Scarborough Shoal; says they led to Chinese ship collision.
AUGUST 13 – China says it drove away US destroyer that sailed near Scarborough Shoal; US Navy says its action was in line with international law.
SEPTEMBER 10 – China approves creation of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal.
SEPTEMBER 16 – Chinese coast guard fires water cannon at Philippine ships near Scarborough Shoal; Philippines accuses Beijing of "aggressive"
