
South China Sea dispute heats up —
In this photo released by the Vietnam Coast Guard, a Chinese ship, left, shoots water cannon at a Vietnamese vessel, right, while a Chinese Coast Guard ship, center, sails alongside in the South China Sea, off Vietnam's coast, Wednesday, May 7, 2014.

South China Sea dispute heats up —
In this video image released by the Vietnam Coast Guard, Vietnamese surveillance ship crew members stand near the side of the ship, allegedly damaged after being rammed by a Chinese ship.

South China Sea dispute heats up —
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, speaks next to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III during a joint news conference at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, after signing a new defense pact with the Philippines on April 28.

South China Sea dispute heats up —
Military officers from the U.S., Philippines, Australia and others at the opening ceremony for the joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise dubbed Balikatan 2014 on May 5, 2014.

South China Sea dispute heats up —
Last year, a Vietnamese man protested outside the White House during the visit of Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang. He demanded the U.S. recognize Vietnamese sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly Islands.