Manila must know there is a ‘price to pay’ if it seeks second arbitration over Beijing’s claims, founding president of National Institute for South China Sea Studies tells symposium on 2016 ruling.

Trilateral represents ‘new era’ of partnership, says US leader, producing security, economic and diplomatic initiatives in show of unity with Manila.

Wu Shicun, founding president of China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies, is pessimistic about progress of South China Sea Code of Conduct.

Beijing has released a series of points to define its waters along its southern coast, which some observers say extends its maritime area.

It comes as Sweden and the Philippines have been negotiating on a deal for the procurement of defence equipment that could include fighter jets amid tensions with China.

‘China is escalating’ as its vessels make show of force near disputed reef where rusty second world warship serves as Philippine outpost, but Beijing must calibrate actions to avoid drawing in the US, observers say.

Beijing backed down last month over the Second Thomas Shoal but won’t do so this time, analyst says.

Fishing boats joined a coastguard vessel in a recent confrontation with the Philippines near Second Thomas Shoal, the latest example of grey zone tactics.

Beijing released the ‘standard map’ last week, ahead of two key gatherings.

Foreign policy chief Wang Yi says Beijing and Hanoi should ‘pay more attention’ to mutual benefits during a meeting with Vietnamese foreign minister.

Working together in areas such as fisheries and environmental protection could help ongoing talks on a code of conduct, according to one Chinese observer.