China and Philippines's war on the high seas

Each time China sends its warplanes and navy vessels to encircle Taiwan in alarming war games, the world is forced to confront the chilling prospect of a blockade or even full-blown invasion of the vital island nation. But further south there is another conflict brewing between China and another key ally of the United States - the Philippines. Beijing, under authoritarian President Xi Jinping , continues to expand its reach into the South China Sea - strategically vital and resource-rich waters bordered by several Southeast Asian nations.