The United States has ramped up its presence in the South China Sea, signaling Washington's ambition to gain more influence in the disputes. Here's a brief review of the U.S. interference in the region. 

With a naval presence, the United States has used its so-called Freedom of Navigation maneuvers to defend its power projection capabilities in the South China Sea. 

The U.S. military deployed surveillance aircraft over Chinese islands in 2015, sending warships to sail within 22 kilometers of Chinese Nansha islands. 

In the following year, a U.S. Navy underwater drone was snatched while gathering scientific data in the South China Sea. 

As Washington warned of regional conflict, a near-miss between a U.S. destroyer and a Chinese warship last year reminded the world how easily a miscalculation could lead to a real conflict. 

And the chances are growing only greater, with the U.S. operations receiving support from regional allies. 

France regularly sends its naval forces into the region, even after its warships were accused of illegal entry. Britain has also joined the task force to oppose China. 

Australia has reportedly started to plan for a new port to counter Beijing's influence in the region – by eventually hosting American forces.

On the external interference, China hit back at U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's so-called U.S. values in Southeast Asia, urging the U.S. side to stop stirring up trouble with regard to the issue of the South China Sea and to respect the regional countries' efforts to resolve disputes through dialogue.   

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries have made progress in negotiating the code in the South China Sea, spokesperson Hua Chunying told a press briefing Friday, calling for more constructive actions from the U.S. side to maintain peace and contribute to prosperity of the region instead of playing tricks.