China establishes 'air-defence zone' over East China Sea

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25062525

Clearly a statement that the whole continental shelf is their property. Later they will demand their economic exclusion zone is outside the shelf.

[Martok]

Something tells me Japan (and perhaps South Korea) won't take that lying down. 

[LongBlade]

It's not simply what they're doing, it's the precedent that is also troubling.

If they're willing to extend it into Japan's doorstep take a look at the neighborhood and see who else may be affected.

I've shaded some square areas as an approximation of what appears to be a similar extension. We've discussed in another thread the issue with the Philippines. But there's more than just them.

[endfire79]

The talk of doing so is one thing (which Beijing historically does frequently), actually enforcing it is another. 

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

The talk of doing so is one thing (which Beijing historically does frequently), actually enforcing it is another.

Politicians, particularly communists that may find failures result in long labor camp sentences, do not like sticking their necks out. There will be some waiting to see if the response is as they had planned. So there will be lags to implementation.

Never the less, intent is important. It shows where they want to be relative to the community of nations. In our lives we make decisions that impact others. Some people put the group in high value. Their needs are associated with the success of the group. Others only care about themselves.

In all these sea disputes China is showing it's priorities.

[BanzaiCat]

I'm surprised, honestly, that Japan/South Korea/Taiwan and North Korea/China haven't come to blows over something yet.

[Staggerwing]

Hey, just as an aside, does anyone know if those Philippine soldiers were able to maintain or resume their territorial claims post on that beached ship?

[Steelgrave]

I wonder what would happen if we sent a carrier battle group into the area and made certain we had air activity going on, just to make the point that it's international waters? The US has a long history of making exactly that kind of statement. I would imagine harsh rhetoric would follow from China and little else.

[Gusington]

Like a strongly worded letter?

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

Like a strongly worded letter?

Strongly worded fortune cookie.

[Steelgrave]

Like a strongly worded letter?

Strongly worded fortune cookie.

Those never make sense anyway, unless you add "in bed" to the end.

[LongBlade]

Like a strongly worded letter?

My favorite.

[W8taminute]

It's amazing how aggressive the Chinese leadership is getting each year.  No one nation on this planet can stop the might of China.  Not as long as the key players are not united behind a strong economy to challenge this giant. 

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

It's amazing how aggressive the Chinese leadership is getting each year.  No one nation on this planet can stop the might of China.  Not as long as the key players are not united behind a strong economy to challenge this giant.

The generals probably get tired of medals for best marching. They want to do what they are training to do. It might be the leadership hanging onto the reigns.

[GDS_Starfury]

no one tell the Chinese that Kadena AFB is right there ok.