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Originally Posted by danin8r44
Because the Phillipe president is sort of a US flirt, the US might get involved here. Much like it did in Taiwan, and the US has a wealth of aircraft carriers. Besides China has a few more pressing issues to deal with currently. I think the issue of ownership of these islands will be left in the air for a while, or at least until someone explores the seabed more and finds real oil reserves. 
The biggest draw for these islands, from what I understand, isn't the islands at all but the relatively large exclusive economic zone that the sea would provide. The water is valuable for a high probability of containing an undetermined amount of oil and natural gas. So they have a relatively large potential value. |
Which means that another place on earth becomes a perfect superweapon test site. Lovely. People need to learn how to share or leave things alone. I am for turning that place into a nature reserve or scorched earth.
US's Carrier 5th Fleet is always ready to strike, but with China's new equipment, it could end up as a naval stalemate.