Tensions between Manila and Beijing remain high after the Philippines coast guard cut China’s barriers in disputed waters last month.
Manila resupplies its outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratly Islands, every month to reinforce its economic rights to waters that are both rich in fish and mineral resources.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratlys, which is also claimed in part by the Philippines.
It is properly called Freedom of Navigation and has nothing to do with one-upmanship. It is international law that pretty much everyone agrees to except China. We, as Americans, are in the best position to counter their territory grabs in the area by conducting Freedom of Navigation operations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_navigation
China actually is a signatory of UNCLOS but seems to forget that