China has long claimed almost 90% of the South China Sea, militarising reefs and islands that other countries claim as their own. The Philippines calls it piracy, but China calls it "law enforcement". Their methods have become increasingly aggressive, openly attacking boats and using brute force and intimidation. Commercial fishermen in the Philippines have been pushed out of their fishing zones, and can only fish close to the shore, where their catch barely covers their costs. “Right now, we’re really struggling," admits fisherman George Pesilbon. China has claimed the entirety of the Spratly Islands, building military bases on seven reefs, which act as fixed aircraft carriers and strategic ports, allowing China to project military power across thousands of kilometres. “They ultimately want other countries to concede, by harassing, by wearing down the opponent”, warns Professor of International Relations Bec Strating. Those affected in the Philippines are left wondering how far China could go, and whether they could be stumbling into war.