Chinese vessels harassed and blocked members of the Philippines coast guard who were attempting the medical evacuation of a sick crew member. (Philippine Coast Guard)

In September, Chinese forces secured another victory in their relentless quest to control the strategically vital South China Sea. After months of blocking resupply efforts and ramming Philippine vessels on peaceful patrols, Beijing forced a Philippine Coast Guard vessel to retreat from Sabina Shoal – a maritime feature well within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Fortunately, the U.S. and its allies can peacefully contest China’s at-sea insurgency through a modern Lend-Lease arrangement. The Philippines could exercise its internationally recognized claims by granting the U.S. a 10-year lease on certain maritime features within its EEZ, in exchange for increased access to U.S. military equipment and support.

The stakes are high. For decades, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has spuriously claimed sovereignty over 90% of the South China Sea, harassing, blocking, ramming and boarding Philippine ships – sometimes wielding axes – from Scarborough Shoal to Second Thomas Shoal, from Whitsun Reef to Thitu Island. Beijing has persisted even eight years after an international tribunal at the Hague rejected Beijing’s sweeping claims.

The CNS Fujian, China's third aircraft carrier, begins its maiden sea trial on May 1, 2024, in Shanghai, China. (Pu Haiyang/VCG via Getty Images)

If the PRC’s manufactured claims became reality, it would threaten the strategic interests of........

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