China Is Positioning Itself To Enforce It's Claim On The South China Sea

China's Military Moment -- Jim Holmes, Foreign Policy

A window of opportunity is closing in the South China Sea. Will Beijing strike?

Beguiled by undersea oil and gas deposits and the weakness of fellow claimants to the Paracel Islands, China launched a naval offensive to seize the disputed archipelago. To justify its actions, Beijing pointed to history -- notably Ming Dynasty Adm. Zheng He's visits to the islands in the 15th century -- while touting its "indisputable sovereignty" over most of the South China Sea.

Chinese vessels carrying amphibious troops and operating under fighter cover from nearby Hainan Island engaged a South Vietnamese flotilla bereft of air support. One Vietnamese destroyer escort lay at the bottom of the South China Sea following the daylong battle. China's flag fluttered over the islands.

The skirmish was real -- and the date was Jan. 17, 1974.

Read more ....

My Comment: Chinese territorial claims and using their navy to show the flag has initiated a naval arms race in the region .... it has also put China on a collision course with everyone in the region. With time .... these nations will organize and position themselves to confront China .... but for now they are weak, and China knows that. Expect China to continue to enforce its claims as well as establishing more garrisons and naval assets in the region.