Chinese fighter intercepts Navy Poseidon

[spuwho]

Different countries. Different politics. Different styles.

China sees Australia as a local but weaker player in the argument.

But the US style of telegraphing, blustering, and uncontrolled media hyping of the smallest of moves clearly rankles them.

That Poseidon that carried a CNN reporter for the ride significantly upset the Chinese leadership. To them, making a media event out of a freedom of navigation issue was a provocation and attempt to embarrass them.

[Tacachale]

^And it worked, so good.

[BridgeTroll]

http://thediplomat.com/2016/02/china-rejects-latest-us-fonop-in-the-south-china-sea/

[Tacachale]

Good to hear.

[spuwho]

Adm. Harris has been requesting meets with the PLAN for years to discuss FONOP's and engagement protocols.

I see this as forcing their hand. In other words, "if you would engage us in protocols, then we wouldnt need to have diplomatic rows constantly"

[spuwho]

The chess game continues.

China deploys surface to air missiles in the Paracels.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/16/asia/china-missiles-south-china-sea/index.html

[BridgeTroll]

This was entirely predictable...

[spuwho]

This was entirely predictable...

They have had planes fly into Wood Island (Xinshi) in the Paracels often, but this is the first time they have  established a SAM system.

The usual postering.

China says its a normal defensive activity and that the press are having a slow day. Red China has occupied Wood Island continuously since 1949.

Japan expresses outrage and calls it an express provocation.

Taiwan calls for calm and tells everyone to chill out.

If China puts SAM's on Fiery Reef, that will bring the house down probably.

The Hague is about to rule on the Phillippines arbitration case with China.  You can pretty much expect a noisy response from China, odd since they have ignored the hearings since the start.

[BridgeTroll]

This was entirely predictable...

They have had planes fly into Wood Island (Xinshi) in the Paracels often, but this is the first time they have  established a SAM system.

The usual postering.

China says its a normal defensive activity and that the press are having a slow day. Red China has occupied Wood Island continuously since 1949.

Japan expresses outrage and calls it an express provocation.

Taiwan calls for calm and tells everyone to chill out.

If China puts SAM's on Fiery Reef, that will bring the house down probably.

The Hague is about to rule on the Phillippines arbitration case with China.  You can pretty much expect a noisy response from China, odd since they have ignored the hearings since the start.

In fairness... this was in fact an island all along.  This was not part of the destruction of fishing reefs closer to the Philippines than China.  It certainly is not a good sign that China is now adding surface to air missiles to the area... because once they militarize all of their occupations... they are there to stay.  They will control the worlds busiest piece of ocean is Asia...  As you can see from the map below the differences between the locations of the Paracel Islands and the reefs of the Spratlys...

[spuwho]

The Chinese are now reporting that they have had SAM's at Xinshi Island for over 20 years. Hence their surprise at the press "outrage".

[spuwho]

The Chinese are now reporting that they have had SAM's at Xinshi Island for over 20 years. Hence their surprise at the press "outrage".

Chess game continues.

Per Reuters:

Admiral Harris told a Congressional hearing yesterday that US Navy FONOPS will increase in frequency and complexity in the near future.

[BridgeTroll]

Just to be clear that China is not a special case... The USN performs FONOPS 365 days a year all over the globe.  This area (SCS) has notoriety because China is claiming that we do not or no longer have freedom to navigate these waters.  Another rather famous example of this is the "Line of Death" Gaddaffi claimed by drawing a line across the Gulf of Sidra and claiming it as sovereign Libyan waters.  the USN most certainly did not stop sailing or flying through these waters because of some declaration or claim.

[Gunnar]

Another rather famous example of this is the "Line of Death" Gaddaffi claimed by drawing a line across the Gulf of Sidra and claiming it as sovereign Libyan waters.  the USN most certainly did not stop sailing or flying through these waters because of some declaration or claim.

Just that China isn't Libya - it's a lot easier to ignore a line drawn in the sand by a scrawny kid.

[Tacachale]

^Yes, but the Chinese aren't nearly so blinkered and crazy as Qaddafi.

[finehoe]

China gearing up for East Asia dominance: U.S. commander

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-usa-missiles-idUSKCN0VX04O