Tensions in the South China Sea have intensified after China claimed it drove away two Philippine vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The incident comes days after another confrontation between the two countries, highlighting growing maritime disputes in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao killed 32, injured 134 and produced a 1.4m tsunami wave; evacuations and aftershocks continue.