[Bubba_Leroy]

By passing so close to the man-made island, the U.S. is showing it doesn’t recognize that the feature qualifies for a 12-nautical mile territorial zone under international law.

Exactly the opposite.

By staying more than 12 miles away, the U.S. is recognizing it as Chinese territory. To show that you do not recognize it as territory you would go well inside the 12 mile area.

Obama's next step will be to apologize and blame it on Bush.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Very good analysis. Absolutely true.