The standoff over Sandy Cay, which lies close to military outposts built by both Beijing and Manila, was the latest between the two nations.

This development comes at a time when Philippine and US troops are conducting their annual military exercises, which include preparation for potential South China Sea conflicts

Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets and Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons are participating in Balikatan, annual combat drills that began Monday and run through May 9.