Well, speaking of nuke is totally trolling. There won't be nukes.Trust me, there will be no nuking of any of our strategic interests. For you all who are illiterate or too stubborn to internalize strategic policy; The United States and the Philippines are strategic allies. The Philippines is considered a major Non-Nato Strategic Ally as defined by the Mutual Defense Treaty.
The Republic of the Philippines are protected by American Nuclear Umbrella. We have reiterated time and time again (recently Sec. of State Clinton) that we will defend the Philippines should she be attacked by an aggressor state.
But, if Phillipine gives China the excuse to initiate a small "armed conflict" on disputed territory, I don't think US is willing to be involved, at the risk of damaging US-China relationship. US promised to protect Phillipine territory but not disputed one.
Frankly, US can't afford another war, especially a war which US cannot gain any profit from. On the other hand, the popular idea in China is we are ready to lose anything to protect our territory.