The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for the Philippines’ policy and position on dealing with issues in the South China Sea amid Chinese aggression.

The South China Sea is an important shipping route that holds significant oil and gas reserves.

"The Philippines has no major external security threats, but has turned itself into a country that undermines regional peace and stability through a militarization carnival," said Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Issues at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies.