The three-day ASEAN-US meeting kicked off Sunday in Manila, where officials from the US and ASEAN will meet amid a standoff between China and the Philippines over Huangyan Island, AFP reported.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said during the "regular meeting" senior officials from both sides would exchange views on regional and international developments and review the progress in ASEAN-US cooperation.

Philippine officials did not say if the recent territorial row between China and the Philippines will be on the table, according to GMA news.

"The Philippines might find it a good opportunity to seek support from the US and other ASEAN members, but it is just its own wishful thinking," Ji Qiufeng, a professor of international relations at Nanjing University, told the Global Times.

"The US has declared its stance very clearly by saying that it would not take sides on the row," Ji said. "It is not that possible for Manila to change Washington's stance at the meeting, and it is difficult for the Philippines to get other countries to reach a consensus on supporting it over Huangyan Island."

"Even though there might be an encouraging and vague declaration at the meeting, the US will not say explicitly that it supports Southeast Asian nations on the issues concerning the South China Sea," Ji said.

Russian ambassador to the Philippines Nikolay Kudashev showed concern over the situation in the South China Sea and said over the weekend that Russia is against any meddling by nations other than the claimant countries in the region, referring to the US,  Manila Bulletin reported Sunday.

The Philippines has been engaged in a standoff with China over Huangyan Island in the South China Sea since April 10.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei reiterated Friday that Huangyan Island is part of China's territory and China would remain on high alert over the island.

"We also hope that the Philippine side will stop making irresponsible remarks and inciting radical behavior," Hong said, after it was reported that a group of Filipinos intended to travel to the island and plant a Philippine flag.

China will carry out marine environmental forecasts around its islands and their nearby waters, including Huangyan Island, China National Radio reported Sunday.

Agencies contributed to this story