Hong Kong authorities yesterday held former ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales at the airport for hours for “immigration reason” and sent her back to Manila, in what her supporters believed was in retaliation for her suing Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for environmental crimes in the South China Sea.

The trade war between the United States and China is raising the possibility that tensions could extend beyond trade and affect other areas of contention between them including the South China Sea, analysts here warned.

Asked if China's fishing ban violates Philippine sovereignty, the Malacañang spokesman refused to give a categorical answer. "Draw your conclusion. That's our position," Panelo said.

Chinese clam harvesting activities in the South China Sea have left new scars on Manila-claimed Scarborough or Panatag Shoal, according to a report from a Washington-based think tank.

As the US Navy vows to maintain its presence in the South China Sea, its chief clarified that naval operations in the region are not meant to provoke any country.