Tensions Rise Over Disputed Reef as Philippines Collides With Chinese Ships
• Recent Philippines provocation centering on China's Ren'ai Reef part of collusion with US to play up “China scare” and further geopolitical interests
• Philippines deployed ships seeking to deliver banned construction materials to stranded navy vessel, intentionally colliding with Chinese ships
• Deteriorating China-Philippines relations due to domestic politics and US intervention as Manila embraces pro-US stance
• Scholars call for tougher Chinese actions as restrained stance has been seen as weakness, allowing Philippines to strengthen control over Reef
• Philippines using geopolitical importance to win more resources from US, but has failed to gain clear defense commitment in case of China conflict