MANILA (Reuters) -South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr agreed on Monday to boost defence cooperation as their countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership amid growing security challenges in the region.

The Philippines and South Korea have elevated their relations to a strategic partnership and agreed to boost maritime cooperation between the two countries' Coast Guard forces.

The Philippines and South Korea committed Monday to deepening maritime cooperation, their presidents said, in the face of China's assertion of its claims over the South China Sea.China has for years sought to expand its presence in contested areas of the South China Sea,

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said on Monday his country and South Korea have upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, as he met visiting counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol for talks. The two leaders discussed various issues including the South China Sea and situation on the Korean peninsula,

The nations’ leaders committed to deepening maritime cooperation on Monday, as they upgraded relations and agreed to closer coastguard ties.

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines accused Chinese maritime officials on Friday of carrying out an "unjustified assault" on Vietnamese fishermen in the contested waters of the South China Sea, adding its voice to a fraught dispute over the confrontation.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr agreed on Monday to boost defense cooperation as their countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership amid growing security challenges in the region.

The Philippines and South Korea signed a maritime cooperation agreement on Monday to protect their interests and to preserve order and safety in the seas of the Asia-Pacific.

The Philippines and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) officially elevated their 75-year diplomatic relationship to a strategic partnership, citing common values and robust partnerships in various fields.

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed Monday to forge a strategic partnership between the two countries to enhance cooperation in security, economy, energy and other areas,