[WhiskeyX]

Regardless of what the U.S. does and does not have to say does nothing to change the 200 nautical mile zone agreed to by international treaty. Just look at and study the map. It clearly shows how China is attempting to grab virtually the entire South China Sea along with islands that have long been the territories of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and the Republic of China. The Chinese actions are nothing short of a gigantic invasion and conquest of these nation’s territories and effort to obstruct the international maritime routes.

[knarf]

Same trojan horse-like invasion the muzzies are enacting ...

The NIKE plan ...

JUST DO IT

[Leaning Right]

The Chinese actions are nothing short of a gigantic invasion and conquest of these nation’s territories and effort to obstruct the international maritime routes.

Absolutely. And the U.S. has no choice but to exercise freedom of navigation in the area.

Personally, I'd like to see a small convoy of warships, including one from each country in the area (Vietnam, Japan, Australia, etc.). That might be "provocative", but what other choice is there?

Now, where it will really get hairy is when China attempts to drill for oil in a sea region that China claims, but is really in the economic zone of another nation. Then what? A mere sail-by won't do.