It's about more than so-called freedom of navigation patrols, and going forward, we'll probably see more and more friction between US and China. It's also clear from the article US strategists don't appreciate, or at lease pretend not to, the fact China is serious about ending US military primacy as the basis of the Asian security order. So, each side test the other on intention and resolve, and 2016 promises to be hotter than 2015. We do indeed live in interesting times.
Its not about the money you know, It's about subverting the current norms and create a new one or reinforce and prevail on what is written.
That's one way of putting it, but I'd like to believe China want a say in how things are run, especially in Asia. In that view, I think US should reach out to China while it's still clearly stronger and put together the so-called "Concert of Asia" where the four great Asia-Pacific powers, US, China, India, and Japan, lead the region. Going forward, it's probably the most stable scheme.
There is already an established order and legal framework embodied in UNCLOS which has wide and comprehensive sign off from many countries. It is a level playing field where weaker nations are protected and more powerful nations are constrained by rule of law. The problem is there are minority countries that want to change the status quo. The events leading to WW1 and 2 were destabilising because of competing great world powers and their pursuance of respective national interest. The idea of competing great power leading to a more stable environment is not reflective of recent history.
Issues, problems, and new opportunities in the world change through time, and international norms should also change to match. The key is to make changes in peaceful and orderly ways that accommodates reemerging powers like China and rising powers like India while ensuring continued strong presence of the US. That's why a concert of Asia-Pacific's great powers, US, China, India, and Japan is a good way forward.
