China enacts law extending its control

The Washington Times ^ | January 27, 2003 | Bill Gertz

[conservativecorner]

China has enacted a new decree extending its control over a 200-mile economic zone from its coast that Bush administration officials say could lead to another clash with the United States over freedom of navigation.

"This is a Chinese domestic law that is inconsistent with international law and the law that we follow," said a defense official.

[Lion's Cub]

No one likes to be spied on, and no matter what is said, these ships are clearly intelligence gathering vessels.

All nations spy on each other. The point is not what kind of vessel is out there--the point is where international waters begin. The Chinese have been appeased like little children for too long. It's time for them to grow up.

[maui_hawaii]

I think the process should be as follows: Don't just sink everything in sight. That is not it.

We should though arm them, and escort them, should problems arise.

In a worst case scenario, shoot'em. Otherwise it is strictly deterrence.

[batter]

Thanks for the ping. Good post and thread!

[batter]

...but the specter of an ass whoopin, or at least someone willing to give him a go for it might change his mind.

Exactly - I was picked on in elementary school. After a couple of months I got sick of it. I faught back and never had a problem again...actually, the bully didn't bother anyone after that (the other kids realized the bully was a coward if you stood up to them).