Tensions between the Philippines and China are rising after Manila repeatedly called for help from bigger powers to resist Beijing over the issue of Huangyan Island, while the country asked for more ships and planes to be deployed to step up patrols in the area.

Yesterday, the Philippines announced it would raise the issue of Huangyan Island during next week's "2+2" talks between Philippines' Foreign Secretary Alberto del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and their US counterparts, Hillary Clinton and Leon Panetta.

"What we are saying is that maybe they (the US) should be apprised of what is happening in the Scarborough (Philippines' name for Huangyan Island) issue," AFP quoted Philippines' foreign affairs department spokesman Raul Hernandez as saying.

China yesterday dismissed Rosario's calls, saying the Philippines has claimed sovereignty over the island that is the innate territory of China.

"Asking other countries to take sides on questions of sovereignty will only escalate and complicate the issue and not in the least help settle the current situation properly," China's foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said.

"The Philippines' moves, including sending more ships and planes to the area and asking help from bigger powers, would intensify tensions, rather than get any substantial results," said Yang Danzhi, an expert in Asia Pacific strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The US has taken a tough stance on supporting the Philippines recently, but it would not take any substantial action, Yang said.

"If the Philippines cannot get any substantial aid from the US, it would find another way to make a concession," he said.