US navy to send destroyer within 24 hours to challenge China territorial claims.

a reply to: eManym

They dont own 2 trillion in US debt. Secondly they arent even the largest holder of US debt.

China doesn't dare do anything that even remotely resembles an armed attack on that destroyer.

Seriously? They no more want a war with the U.S., then the U.S. wants one with China. Both sides have far, far too much to lose.

There will be, as is usual, a lot of teeth grinding rhetorical flourishes. Bombastic Security Council clamouring. Etc... ...and the destroyer will sail within eyesight of the island wave to 'em in a friendly fashion, and go along its merry way.

No one hurt. Nothing but a little face lost, not even that really... Buzz the ship a couple of times, all the while saying, "If we wanted to...we could sink you." ...and no face lost.

a reply to: seagull

What happens IF China decides to NOT bluff? As you said, much to lose on both sides.

a reply to: seagull

So essentially we have moved to the point where instead of armed conflict we now have "I know you are but what am I?"


a reply to: intrepid
They lose one of their largest markets and over a trillion in owned debt for starters.

I think the USA is done backing down, and the talk is over. China better build up those islands fast because if Bush or Clinton wins the oval office, China is going to get bitch slapped by the Neo-Cons. Even if it's not Bush or Clinton, Trump might very well easily go medieval on our Mandarin business partners rear ends.

The puppet masters still control Obama too though, and that is why he has sent a ship over there. At the end of the day it's about strategy and resources as usual, the mighty $, just like in the Middle East. It's a dog eat dog World, and that is not going to change any time soon. ~$heopleNation

a reply to: seagull

That's how it will probably play out for awhile.

But surely China can`t be allowed to "have" or just start making man made military bases 500km from their coast.

That's the elephant in the room now they are established.

a reply to: Xcathdra

Essentially, yes.

Which, IMHO, is better than killing a bunch of kids over some stupid ass island.

The US/China conflict is going to be in Africa. Within the next twenty-thirty years. Since it'll involve east africa, India will be dragged in as the Indian Oceans primary power, and South Africa may be as well, due to the fact they're in, well, Africa.

a reply to: gps777

www.reuters.com...

Seems they've been.

a reply to: gps777

It's to be hoped not. But that is a real possibility, though less of one, I think, then the African head butting I foresee...

...and I really hope I'm wrong. We fought China in Korea, and around a million soldiers died that time... Not something to be wished for.

a reply to: EA006

Yes I`m aware of all that.

I`m talking about stopping and removing China from them now they are established, which is now going to be very difficult as to apposed to earlier intervention a few years ago.

Its one thing just to sail past and sabre rattle.

a reply to: intrepid

If they don't back down? The only reason they wouldn't is if that Captain does something excessively stupid...and my guess is, is that he got told to the "T" what he is to do. Any deviation from it will result in his career coming to a crashing halt.

But if bullets do, God forbid, begin to fly?

Sixth Fleet is still the big dog in the area, and the lifespan of those islands will be measured in hours.

God, I hope they put their sacks in escrow...

a reply to: gps777

That's a very good question.

My guess, and that's all it is, is some way will be found for China to peacefully, eventually, withdraw. Probably some form of Four Nations agreement to cooperate in any future use of those waters between China, Vietnam, the PI's, and the other nation...

It'll be sold as China's idea to peacefully coexist with their neighbors.

Or words to that effect.

a reply to: seagull

That sounds like Cold War posturing. Don't think the Asians think the same. This could be explosive.

a reply to: intrepid

It is Cold War posturing. No doubt of that...

In case we missed it, the Cold War is back on. It was fun while it lasted, but here we go, again.

a reply to: Xcathdra

My bad, its about 1.2 trillion.

The US Owes China $1.2 Trillion

a reply to: seagull

My point Bro is that Asians don't think the same way as us westerners, including Russians, even though they live in Asia. Ask a Russian who they worry most about. Chinese.

History has proven that to eliminate your debt one must first eliminate the creditor.

It's like magic!



And it is inevitable.

originally posted by: seagull
a reply to: intrepid

If they don't back down? The only reason they wouldn't is if that Captain does something excessively stupid...and my guess is, is that he got told to the "T" what he is to do.

Agreed cool heads needed, but the US stayed out of the 12 mile legal limit as if China had/has a legal leg to stand on in international waters and they don`t, the US legally could have pulled up to one of the islands had a swim and a bbq, which also sent a positive message to China it that respect.

a reply to: seagull

I hope that is the case or the outcome, this isn`t going away easily now and a powder keg primed to go off.

a reply to: gps777

I'm a combat vet AKA a real warrior hence my knowledge.
You appeared to to rebuke me about BEING a warrior so I bit back.
Sensative aren't you?'