The Philippines, which imports nearly all its fuel requirements, is desperate to find new energy sources as a key local gas field nears depletion. However, it has to contend with China which frequently deploys military ships in the contested waters.

“This could mean that they really want total domination and control over everything from free passage to resources, or they want to bear hug the Philippines to make them the sole joint venture partner in the exploration or exploitation of resources in this area,” Teodoro has said.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated over the past year with the Philippines vowing to reject any joint exploration that fails to  recognize the nation’s right to exclusively exploit these resources.

Territorial disputes over the South China Sea date back to the 1970s when countries began to claim various zones and islands in the sea, such as the Spratly Islands, which possess rich natural resources and fishing areas.

China maintains that foreign militaries are not allowed to conduct intelligence-gathering activities, including reconnaissance flights, in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).