1 West Philippine Sea Conflict: History and Future Prospects 11/2024 Image by: Rappler.com West Philippine Sea Conflict: History and Future Prospects By Dr. Dennis Coronacion & Jazztin Jairum Manalo The West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute, a long-standing territorial conflict between several Southeast Asian nations and China, continues to be a significant source of regional tension. Despite years of China's saber-rattling in the disputed waters, its tension-filled encounters with the other claimants, particularly the Philippines, have demonstrated a relatively high level of restraint and tolerance. This is why security analysts view the dispute as a low-intensity conflict. However, China’s recent tougher stance in asserting its territorial claims, coupled with President Marcos, Jr.’s policy of challenging Chinese expansionism in disputed waters, has significantly increased the risk of turning the conflict into a full-scale war, a potential outcome that cannot be ignored.