China‑US naval incidents in the South China Sea raise ASEAN alarm amid intelligence‑gathering disputes

China‑US naval incidents in the South China Sea raise ASEAN alarm amid intelligence‑gathering disputes The passage links recent Chinese maritime confrontations with U.S. intelligence‑gathering aircraft, suggesting a strategic motive beyond territorial claims. It mentions specific dates, vessels, and high‑level actors (e.g., Gen. Liang, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton), offering concrete leads for further investigation into possible covert operations and diplomatic pressure. However, the claims are largely anecdotal and lack direct evidence of wrongdoing, limiting the immediacy of actionable steps. Key insights: June 9 incident involving Chinese patrol boats and a Philippine survey ship.; March 4 Reed Bank incident where Chinese vessels threatened a Philippine vessel.; Chinese fighter jets harassed Philippine forces ahead of Gen. Liang’s Manila visit.