How fishing crews and tourists in the Philippines are at the frontline of a brewing dispute with China

As leaders across Asia descend on Jakarta for the annual ASEAN and East Asia summits this week, one regional flashpoint is looming large. For decades, five countries plus Taiwan have managed their competing claims in the South China Sea. While sporadic skirmishes have occurred between boat crews in the contentious area, China’s actions in the last few months are being seen by some as a marked escalation. It may be the clearest sign yet that Xi Jinping’s maritime forces believe they could seize the remaining Philippines-controlled islands if they choose to. Recent incidents include the swarming of disputed reefs by…