External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings in Manila with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Philippines Foreign Minister Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro. The discussions focused on trade, defence, regional security, the Indo-Pacific and strengthening strategic partnerships. (PICS/PTI/AFP)

Tensions persist in the South China Sea as the Philippine Coast Guard identifies a Chinese maritime militia vessel near Scarborough Shoal on Monday. The latest sighting underscores ongoing disputes in the strategic waters, where China has maintained a strong presence despite repeated protests by Manila. PICS/AFP