Braving the China Seas

spectator.org ^

[tsowellfan]

It's called the "South China Sea" and China wants everyone to recognize it that way. The only problem? A few other countries feel differently.

It's called the "South China Sea" and China wants everyone to recognize it just that way. There is no question in Beijing's official mind that this body of water is entirely within Chinese sovereignty. The problem is that Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan all have claims to a portion of that immense body of water by virtue of the fact that portions of their countries are bordered by that sea. This is to say nothing of the competing claims over the Paracel and Spratly Islands. The Chinese attitude is that these are all spurious claims and only they -- and their navy and air force -- can lawfully operate on, in, and above these, up till now, international waters. Everyone else should get their permission...

[triumphant values]

Admiral Willard's attendance at the Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing

I know most here won't be bothered by this, but I for one cherish civilian control of our diplomatic contacts.