South China Sea update

[hullexile]

Australian intelligence is reported as saying that ahead of the UNCLOS decision China is planning "decisive and provocative action" probably the occupying of Scarborougn Shoal.

In response I assume the Americans have started joint patrols with the Philippine Navy based from the US aircraft carrier said to be off Subic. They have also placed 9 aircraft, including ground attack helicopters and 200 or 300 airmen at Clark. The Japanese have a sub and two destroyers at Subic. Unreported as far as I have seen the Australian Air Force flew in a couple of planes the day before yesterday. The Americans have installed new weaponry on Philippine ships. The Vietnamese have flown in military officials. The Philippines have acquired landing craft from Australia.

Let us hope the Chinese back down.

[Kinch]

[Plato told]
—e.e. Cummings

plato told

him:he couldn't
believe it(jesus

told him;he
wouldn't believe
it)lao

tsze
certainly told
him,and general
(yes

mam)
sherman;
and even
(believe it
or

not)you
told him:i told
him;we told him
(he didn't believe it,no

sir)it took
a nipponized bit of
the old sixth

avenue
el;in the top of his head:to tell

him
1944

[hullexile]

[Plato told]
—e.e. Cummings

plato told

him:he couldn't
believe it(jesus

told him;he
wouldn't believe
it)lao

tsze
certainly told
him,and general
(yes

mam)
sherman;
and even
(believe it
or

not)you
told him:i told
him;we told him
(he didn't believe it,no

sir)it took
a nipponized bit of
the old sixth

avenue
el;in the top of his head:to tell

him
1944

Living at the end (almost) of the military runway I do not need telling. However I fear China is deaf.

[Tom007]

I've been to Clark once hullexile. Great golf vacation. Ok googled a bit and found this.


Why China Might Seek to Occupy Scarborough Shoal

http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/why-c...borough-shoal/

[Open Casket]

A lot depends on the Chinese economy, if the economy continues spiraling downhill, the communist party will try to stir up nationalism and flex muscle in the S China Sea.

Also, better to start on Scarborough Shoals while Obama is in office- he won't do shite about anything (not complaining about that, just stating it)

[hullexile]

I've been to Clark once hullexile. Great golf vacation. Ok googled a bit and found this.


Why China Might Seek to Occupy Scarborough Shoal

Why China Might Seek to Occupy Scarborough Shoal | The Diplomat

Some good points there and the strategic and symbolic importance of Scarborough Shoal is not lost on the other side either. This could be the line in the sand moment however neither Obama or Aquino are action minded leaders.

[Ern]

Looks like they're going full steam ahead. Look on the map how close Scarborough Shoal is to Manila, this can only end in trouble.

China to build up atoll in contested South China Sea, source says | South China Morning Post

[hullexile]

Duterte has changed his tune. Last night he said, once the UNCLOS decision is reached he will negotite with China. If they will not negotiate then he will personally plant the Philippine flag on the islands and if the Chinese want to kill the Philippine president then so be it but he would not ask the forces to do what he would not.

[Ern]

Duterte has changed his tune. Last night he said, once the UNCLOS decision is reached he will negotite with China. If they will not negotiate then he will personally plant the Philippine flag on the islands and if the Chinese want to kill the Philippine president then so be it but he would not ask the forces to do what he would not.

Now that's calling their bluff!

[hullexile]

Now that's calling their bluff!

Wouldn't the world be a better place if the policians fought the wars instead of the troops.