US to send warship close to South China Sea islets

[GGJohn]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-to-send-warship-close-to-south-china-sea-islets/ar-BBmsww9?li=AAa0dzB&ocid=iehp

In a move sure to anger Beijing, the US Navy plans to send Tuesday a destroyer close to artificial islands China is building in the South China Sea, a US official said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official told AFP that the guided missile destroyer USS Lassen would sail within 12 nautical miles of the emerging land masses in the Spratly Islands.

Tensions have mounted since China transformed reefs in the area -- also claimed by several neighboring countries -- into small islands capable of supporting military facilities, a move the US says threatens freedom of navigation.

Washington has repeatedly said it does not recognize Chinese claims to territorial waters around the artificial islands.

This is needed, China is trying to control international sea lanes with these bogus man made "islands".

[cpwm17]

1. You're right

This is just nuts:



China can't be allowed to get away with this evil crap.

[TwilightGardener]

2. They've been announcing this patrol for weeks.

Why didn't they just do it, quietly, with only a short notice to China? Why all this buildup and attention? HERE WE GO! WE'RE COMING NEAR YOUR ISLANDS!

[GGJohn]

3. I would imagine it's to put China on notice.

I very much doubt that China will do anything beyond condemning our move, China's ruling govt knows that any hostile aggression towards the Lassen would be met with overwhelming force against those "islands".

[TwilightGardener]

4. If we believe that those are free seas and don't recognize the islands for China, all the bizarre

buildup does is either provoke an unnecessary public showdown or make us look like we kinda sorta are afraid of China. Again, we should have sailed a ship through months ago, and then another, and then another, only giving a courtesy heads-up to China each time.

[GGJohn]

5. I can't argue with you logic,

and, I might add, sent some aircraft over also.

[newfie11]

6. Cause we don't have enough wars

For the MIC!

[GGJohn]

7. As I'm sure you've been told numerous times,

this isn't about the MIC, it's about China trying to grab control of international shipping lanes and free passage of those lanes.

[newfie11]

8. Yeah and I've heard dire warnings before

Starting with Vietnam. Anything to to with the MIC I agree with IKE.
Sorry Mr GG not all people agree with u. No dear I've not been told many times as I learn the first time.

[GGJohn]

9. So you're ok with China claiming sovereignty over international shipping lanes? eom.