South China Sea trade routes safe despite rows: analysts

[MANILA] Despite territorial stand-offs between China and other nations bordering the South China Sea, analysts say governments know better than to choke off the trade shipping routes that are the lifeblood of their economies.

The escalating disputes this year between China and some of its neighbours over their rival territorial claims in the sea have led to water cannons being fired in one hotspot area and deadly anti-Chinese riots in Vietnam.

The Philippines has also sought military help from the United States in the face of what it calls "bullying" Chinese tactics, signing a pact that will soon allow thousands of US troops onto Filipino bases facing the sea.