MANILA, Feb. 8 -- United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru have conveyed "serious opposition" to China's maritime claims as well as "threatening and provocative activities" in the South China Sea (SCS).

The two leaders reaffirmed their position during a bilateral summit in Washington D.C. on Feb. 7, where they also opposed Beijing's militarization of reclaimed features in the sea lane.

"The two leaders shared views on the severe and complex security environment and expressed their determination to continuously cooperate to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific," the White House said in a statement.

The Philippines has condemned China's increased presence in the West Philippine Sea, the area coverin...