I'm sorry. I can't resist. I try to stay away as I'm busy filling all the tax returns in for the deadline.
But whilst takong 5min out. I noticed this post!
Now while I agree and sympathised with people around the SCS about possible conflicts.
I differ in the solution you offered. You suggested the people's should get together and quoting Churchill people should "JAW JAW. not war war"
But your solution includes USA. And here lies the problem that can't be solved. The problem in the SCS is caused by one country and one country alone. And thar country is from outside the area with no stake in the area what so ever!) don't believe in the propoganda of the so called FONOPS.
in the event where some power should impede the FON. the biggest country to suffer is China as most shipping passing the SCS is coming from or to China!
The problem can be solved overnight if just one country leave the area with immediate effect!
I doubt the US being a Super Power will leave the area/region. You should know that the USN 7th Fleet last year changed its designation from "Pacific Command" to "Indo-Pacific" Command, meaning its ships will continue to traverse the seas from the Western Pacific to the Indian Ocean. China knows this, and as the other Super Power would have already made military /naval contingency plans to counter eventualities. Every nation wants Peace and should focus on Economic Prosperity. You may know/heard of the "Thucydides Trap" between two competing strong/big powerful countries - the case of ancient Athens & martial Sparta. They were involved in Peloponnesian War between 499 and 449 BC. I believe both China & US War Colleges & their Senior Military Officers know this historical war background. Similar hostilities/War could be repeated in the 21st Century. Most people of the world prefer that 2 major powers must cooperate & work towards PEACE, & hopefully not be foolish to fan the flames of hostilities that will ultimately result in disaster.