The guided-missile destroyer the USS Mustin has entered the South China Sea and is sailing near the Paracel Islands. The islands are claimed by China, though the US does not recognize that claim. China objected that they didn’t authorize the US to sail there.
National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien called China’s claims in the South China Sea ‘ridiculous,’ saying they’ve been rejected by all the major countries. Most countries in the region have conflicting claims in the South China Sea, and to the extent they overlap with Chinese claims, the US backs everyone else’s claims.
In rejecting their claims, the US has repeatedly carried out “freedom of navigation” exercises near Chinese claims just to prove that they can’t enforce those claims. China is objecting to those incursions, and earlier this week fired anti-ship missiles into contested waters to prove they could challenge those ships if they have to.
The Pentagon warns the missile fire is a threat to peace. Chinese officials responded that the US was interfering in Chinese internal affairs and is simply upholding its rights.
“amerikans have been liars and braggarts for 3 centuries”. Daniel Boorstin
“Obama’s job is to lie to a nation of liars”. Kiese Laymon
Every day China is getting stronger and the USA is getting weaker.
Does Trump or anyone else think that China will back down?
The big difference is that China’s planning, even economic, is 15 years whilst US strategic long term planning is “What are we going to do after lunch?’
The future belongs to China and Russia and intelligent people would be making plans to accommodate this not stamping their little feet and throwing tantrums.
One day ‘Mommy’ will have to spank.
They seem to be pushing to war with China and I suspect this based on the collapsing America economy that is mainly driven by the military industrial complex that former U.S. president D.W. Eisenhower warned about.
What’s the difference in a new man made island with air base or a aircraft carrier ? I only expect China’s stationary aircraft carrier are much cheaper to build .
Isn’t illegally seizing Syrian oil fields or oil tankers by the US military just as ridiculous?
Just glad the US has someone in the administration that thinks he can identify what is “rediculous”…
While arguing details — we lose the sight of the real issue.
US is NOT the authority on deciding maritime borders. It does not matter what US believes. In fact as a NON signatory to UN Convention on the Laws of the Seas (UNCLOS) US has no legal standing to raise issue on anyone’s behalf, and CANNOT be a party in a dispute.
Second — the actual boundaries of Extended Economic Zones (EEZ) are subject to bilateral negotiations between parties, to be taken to UNCLOS arbitration, if requested by both parties.
US has procured a ruling by Hague Arbitration court without permission of both parties. This court’s opinion is irrelevant, yet US calls it — “award”!
The issues related to EEZ are negotiable. Give and take on boundaries is balanced by fishing rights, energy or mineral exploitation. There are no firm rules, parties can agree as they please in actual demarcation. Rules become more complex when a party claims sea shelf, or continental shelf — when geological proof is needed.
China’s maritime borders are not ridiculous — they are historic claims that WILL
be determined through negotiation with neighbors. UNCLOS rules require this step.
US has NO standing in ANY bilateral dispute, and cannot legally demand enforcing any “freedom of negotiation”.
Because the laws have defined the rules of navigation. Rules are clear on Territorial waters. Rules on EEZ are also defined. Commercial traffic is not affected in any way — but military vessels must notify and be granted right of innocent package. By complaining about boundaries — US is avoiding asking for permission.
For as long as vessels stay in international waters — there is no problem.
But straying into EEZ — regardless of unresolved issues among neighbors — is an unnecessary provocation.
Freedom of navigation in INTERNATIONAL WATERS — is the freedom not endangered by anyone. Entering EEZ zones in order to favor one claimant over other — is imposing American arbitrary rules on matters we are legally prohibited from having any standing.
Speaking of ridiculous!
Almost as “ridiculous” as stealing oil and selling it at half its market value
It’s democratic as long as the West is in control
That’s why they are wasteful and call others “shitty countries”