What is the risk of conflict at the disputed Scarborough Shoal?

In this photo taken on Sept 20, 2023 a Philippine fishing boat sailing past a Chinese militia ship near the Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal (back) in the disputed South China Sea. - AFP

MANILA (Reuters): The Philippines on Tuesday (Sept 26) vowed not to back down against a Chinese move to block its fishermen from a hotly contested area of the South China Sea, as Beijing warned against provocations after Manila severed its floating barrier.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE SCARBOROUGH SHOAL?