[Hoodat]

This is more than sabre-rattling. China's goal is to be the sole dominant force in Asia. This exercise is to see if the current US President will honor America's treaty obligations. From what he has shown so far, I suspect China already knows the answer to that question.

At some point, Obama will urge the Philippines to cede control to China in order to avoid the inevitable conflict while informing them that he will remain neutral in the event of any escalation on China's part.

[DoughtyOne]

I personally thought the ease with which Hong Kong and Macau were given back to China, sent a very poor signal to them.

China should have every reason to think that whatever it demands, it will get. It rattles it’s sabers, and everyone falls in line.

At some point we’re going to have to say no to China. A few more of these exchanges, and Taiwan will be the demand “NOW!”

And on it goes, us financing China’s rise.

There has never been a nation on earth, that built up it’s number one enemy in such short order.

We deserve what we get.

[skinkinthegrass]

why do I have this '38 Munich feelings..was it, "Peace in our time."
..of course; pResident 0'ButtCrack, shall still be on the golf course
@ 10a & 2p or in bed w/ his gay posse @ 3am as the bombs drop.

[tcrlaf]

” From what he has shown so far, I suspect China already knows the answer to that question.”

Meaning if FINA/TOTAL or the French Government have no interests to protect, Obama will do nothing.

If they do, watch out, because Obama will go war, legally or otherwise.

Just ask the Lybians, Somali’s and Syrians about this.