BY FORCE: Is physical occupation backed by military force the only option left in resolving territorial disputes between the Philippines and China in their common waters?

That is another way of saying war looms as a possibility as the options for peaceful settlement dwindle.

A military scenario is emerging with the reckless rhetoric coming from Beijing, the latest of which is its warning Monday to Manila to keep off Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which is just 105 nautical miles from Palawan, well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

Beijing forbade Manila from sending reinforcement and supplies to a Marine detachment marooned in a grounded navy vessel, the BSP Sierra Madre, in the vicinity of Ayungin.

Read more: http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2014/03/23/1304063/phl-china-row-antics-hint-warlike-drift