China has set up three light buoys in the South China Sea, which is a sign of separation from the Philippines, because the Philippines also launched five navigation buoys in the waters two weeks ago. Observers analyzed that China is using buoys to create potential gray zone conflicts, aiming to deter the Philippines and neighboring countries from siding with the United States. In the future, China may even use the Philippine flag to retake the islands and reefs it occupies, and also take advantage of the situation to test the US military.