A U.S. Navy amphibious ship, a French frigate and a pair of Philippine vessels have kicked off the at-sea portion of a joint-force exercise taking place throughout the Philippines this month.

On today’s episode of The Big Take, rising tensions in the South China Sea over who controls the rich energy reserves within the waterway.

The United States and the Philippines kicked off their most extensive joint military exercise ever on Monday, with drills scheduled in the tense South China Sea amid warnings from China over its territorial claims.

The Chinese Navy on Sunday kicked off a biennial meeting of top foreign naval officials in the port city of Qingdao, in a show of military diplomacy that will be closely watched for signs of more engagement between China and the United States.

The vast energy riches of the South China Sea have long been eyed by the Philippines and Vietnam as a way to reduce their reliance on imported gas and oil. But an armada of Chinese fishing boats and coast guard vessels— including “The Monster”—are blocking their way.

The Philippines is strengthening its relationship with its oldest treaty ally, the United States. The two nations share a complex, close relationship dating to the late 1800s.

A fleet of Chinese fishing boats, coast guard cutters and a giant vessel dubbed the “Monster” are making sure of it.