The United States and the Philippines are conducting military exercises in the South China Sea.<br /><br />But the exercises are likely to raise tensions near the disputed Spratly Islands, believed to be rich in oil and natural gas.<br /><br />The islands could now determine the balance of power in the region with the Philippines seeming to position itself as broker.<br /><br />Al Jazeera's Marga Ortigas reports from the capital Manila.
