Tensions are flaring up again in the South China Sea, involving not just regional players like China and the Philippines, but also countries outside the region like the U.S. and Japan. Last Sunday, joint drills were conducted by the Philippines, the U.S., Japan and Australia in the disputed area alongside Chinese patrols. With leaders from the U.S., Japan and the Philippines meeting in Washington this week, the question arises, what is fueling these tensions? How likely is a full-blowing conflict?