We hear a lot of the Aussies, Japanese, and us. But it would be interesting if Vietnam joined the team. And Indonesia couldn't hurt. That's one reason why it's important to maintain good relations with allies, and potential allies. Something this administration is attempting to do.

Absolutely! I think we can count India, Britain, and Canada in too. Allies are very worthwhile, and about the time we are questioning wqhether we really need to maintain an alliance, something happens and the importance of maintaining alliances is underscored.

The treat of 1951 does require the US to join the Philippines should hostilities break-out.

Yes, and I can tell you when China started misbehaving the NAVY boys didn't quite know what to think about that treaty.

I would say ramming, and even the water cannon, qualifies. Though I don't know if the Philippines has to make a formal request, or we can take the initiative just based on observations.

Ooh, when Duterte came into power he was pro China and was hostile to the US in his speeches. Remember when he avoided Obama? He had met with the Chinese prior to his run and it appeared they financed him. CVhina laid off for a while. Duterte flew to China with a Chinese rifle to give to XI that he claimed killed some rebels that were actually killed by Israeli gear. There was some hostility in the Philippines toward the us for a bit. Then Duterte changed his tune and the US came back into favor again. The Chinese mapped out the ocean floor east of the Philippines and began giving Chinese names to features there.

Certainly, the next time one of their ships gets too close to an Arleigh-Burke, we should sink it instead of try to avoid it. We can't play their games. Though Xi will lose "face", which is potentially problematic as he may escalate.
There is a time and place to escalate, but for right now we do FONOPs and let the Chinese be belligerent as it helps cement alliances. We shot ourselves in the foot by getting out of the treaty.