Re: Beijing warns US: 'We will fight back' as battle of words escalates over South Ch
That's correct JF. Its 6 sites that has most attention, and it is what has all those other Asian nations condemning the moves. As this asserts more of China's Claims. While diminishing theirs.
Comparison of current operational distances of PLA bases with airstrips from<br />Taiwan versus the Spratly Islands (distances in nautical miles).(“China’s First Airstrip in the Spratly Islands Likely at Fiery Cross Reef,” Ethan Meick, using Google Maps; adapted from David Shlapak, “Chinese Air Superiority in the Near Seas,” in Peter Dutton, Andrew S. Erickson, and Ryan Martinson (eds.), China’s Near Seas Combat Capabilities (China Maritime Studies, U.S. Naval War College, February 2014))
One of the military initiatives China’s likely to undertake once it’s done building the islands is to implement an air-identification zone (a.k.a. ADIZ), says Peter Dutton, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute at the U.S. Naval War College. But China’s Spratly ambitions likely go way beyond mere military might, he adds.
“It certainly also means supporting the fishing fleet, oil and natural-gas exploration, the ability to support law enforcement and coast guard, in addition to military activities,” says Dutton. “The islands being built up in the South China Seas really do present a major problem for other claimants in the region in that regard, because China simply outclasses them in every dimension of state power needed to reinforce [its claims].”.....snip~
China's Island-Building Spree Is About More Than Just Military Might - Defense One
Oil, gas, fishing rights, minerals and control of the area. They can easily create a Denial of Area to any country they wish to.
Denial of Area, making it costly in blood and treasure is meant to lock out the US from Asia.
And China play a long game, and that is my opinion.
They want Asia and the countries near them to be more like client states.
TPP will also cost them trade and investment.
India is upping their military spending, why, due to China and security issues.
But China only has so long to do this.
Aging population and as economists say, China will be old, before they are rich.
India on the other hand is or will be a Superpower in the next 20-30 years.
Then we have Malaysia, economy on fire and growing fast.
As to the US pivot to Asia, well that is what most countries are doing as Asia is where growth is.
There will not be a Unipolar world for much longer, with the US at the top of the heap.
More likely Tri Polar. US-China-India-
And Russia, well until they reform their economy and legal titles to property, rid themselves of corruption, they will be China's Putz Boys.