MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines and Vietnam are forging closer ties in a symbolic move after China stepped up activities in disputed areas of the South China Sea, raising tension in the potential flashpoint.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits and fishery resources. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also claim parts of the sea, crossed by ships carrying $5 trillion a year in cargo.
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