Scarborough Shoal Showdown: A Pattern of Provocation The latest clash between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea has left many wondering what exactly is at stake.
While Beijing and Manila continue to trade blame over the weekend's incidents, one thing is clear: the waters surrounding Scarborough Shoal have become a testing ground for both nations' resolve.
At the heart of this stand off lies a disputed territory that has been claimed by multiple countries, but is currently under de facto control by China.