The move comes against the backdrop of rising tension between the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, and Beijing.

Growing tensions between China and the Philippines in the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea are reaching a boiling point, Manila officials say.

coming as close as 77 nautical miles (143 kilometers), Philippine officials said in a news conference. "The presence of the monster ship in Filipino waters … 77 nautical miles from our shoreline, is unacceptable and, therefore, it should be withdrawn ...

Philippines protests presence of ‘monster ship’ amid fears of status quo shift in South China Sea - Manila says Chinese vessels detected near disputed Scarborough shoal

U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday met virtually with his counterparts from Japan and the Philippines to advance cooperation among the three countries, the White House said.

A Philippine security official warned “all options are on the table” for Manila’s response to growing South China Sea aggression, including lawsuits.

A massive Chinese "monster" ship has come extremely close to the coast of the Philippines, alarming Manila and increasing tension in the South China Sea.