Tensions are rising anew in the West Philippine Sea or the South China Sea, as the United States and China are taking hardline stances and ramping up war games with their respective navies in the disputed waters, with the Philippines in the middle of a potential conflict. The South China Morning Post reported Monday that US military action over the South China Sea was destined to be futile and American allies would be harmed, Beijing said in a series of tough rebukes against Washington. Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans to make an announcement this week related to escalating tensions in the waterway, where Washington and Beijing are vying for military supremacy, two people familiar with the matter said in a Yahoo News report.

Tensions rising in disputed sea as China, US hold war games. (2020, July 14). Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.