[NP-INCOMPLETE]

The US should ensure rights of passage via sinking anything that comes up on us. If they want to pass, let them pass. If they roll up on us, or anyone else, sink their ship(s).

substitute US with China, that could be an interesting policy.

[maui_hawaii]

Its very likely, but China's future rests in relations with Washington, so they might not want to move like that.

Its one more thing on the long list of conflicting interests. Its also one more thing that our "engagement" seeks to prevent.

If anything did happen most likely it would end up ultimately swept under the rug. I say we should be ready to shoot first, just in case, and make them sweep it under the rug instead of us.