Tensions have already risen in these waters, with a two-month standoff between Philippine and Chinese vessels at another remote shoal.

FORBES: China Stoops To Administer In Disputed Southern Waters

The Philippine government said Chinese surveillance vessels intervened to prevent any arrests, leading to the standoff, and that Filipino sailors who inspected the Chinese vessels on Tuesday found illegally collected corals and live sharks in one of the fishing boats.

WSJ: Philippine Warship, China Ships in Standoff

However, neither we nor the new Philippine government should be deterred by Chinese bluster from doing what is right.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Enter the dragon

Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario said he met with Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing and both reaffirmed their governments' positions that the Scarborough Shoal where the ships are facing off was part of their own country's territory and neither was ready to stand down.

WSJ: Philippine Warship, China Ships in Standoff

Chinese military expansion in the Spratlys is now regarded by the Philippine government as the country's main external threat.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines