Will 2018 Be The Year That China And America Clash in the South China Sea?

The U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ships USS Bonhomme Richard (bottom) and USS Boxer (second from top) are pictured during Exercise Ssang Yong in the East Sea, March 8, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS/U.S. MARINE CORPS/CPL. DARIEN J. BJORNDAL/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

Kris Osborn, National Interest: Why 2018 Could Be the Year China and America Clash in the South China Sea

The US military may again conduct Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea this year as part of an ongoing strategic effort to challenge what it describes as China’s “excessive maritime claims” in the region, Pentagon officials said.

While Pentagon officials naturally did not offer any specifics regarding operations or current considerations about whether US Navy ships will again sail within the 12-mile territorial boundaries of islands claimed by China, they were clear say it is indeed a realistic possibility.

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WNU Editor: Some are saying that China does want a confrontation to cement their claims in the South China Sea .... China Wants Confrontation in the South China Sea (Gordon G. Chang, South China Sea). Especially if the officially announce their military presence in the South China Sea .... China Signaling it May Finally 'Militarize' the South China Sea Officially (The Diplomat). The U.S. response has been this .... Mattis signals harder line in South China Sea (Asia Times). My prediction .... nothing is going to happen between the U.S. and China in the South China Sea until their trade problems have been ironed out. If they are not "ironed out" .... including a collapse in talks and the imposition of trade barriers/tariffs/duties/etc. .... that will then change everything.