Recently there seems to be turmoil in the South China seas between China, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam. The reason being oil.
The Chinese government has summoned a senior US diplomat over American criticism of China's decision to set up military garrisons in the South China Sea . This will just help to escalate the disputed waters. The Philippine government recently offered oil and gas contracts to companies that will explore the possibility. Recently, the United States has been inquiring about opening basis in the Philippines Vietnam and even Malaysia. Vietnam once a Chinese ally seem to anger the Chinese after passing a law that places the island of Spratly under their control both country's claim the island as their own. It will be very interesting to see further development of this situation.
