What's Afloat?

       Have you been reading about the South China Sea? Well, here's a bit of information for you to consider. China considers almost all the waters up to the beaches of the various countries bordering the SCS. Actually they only claim up to a mile or two of these countries. It includes islands close to them and that these countries consider their own. No matter, China calls them their own. China is even building islands on reefs in these disputed waters.
       So The Philippines, as one of the border countries, through the U.N. took their case to The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague. The Court decided that China's claims are not correct and that China has no right to claim the whole thing for itself.
       To wit, China said the court is not recognized and it's findings hold no effect and therefore is not binding on China. China is also threatening to militarize the SCS, something it had already begun. They have now claimed to be setting up an Air Defense Zone for their protection. And have stated they hoped that "all countries would work with China to protect the peace and stability of the South china Sea and not let the SCS become the origin of a war." This according to the BBC.
       The SCS is an important trade route for commerce and has been for a very long time, with shipping using that route to reach countries around the world. Of course none of the countries bordering the SCS are large enough to confront China which is why they went to court in the first place. The thing is though, most of these countries have a treaty with us promising to support and defend them from aggressors. So, as usual, we're confronted with the idea of war if somebody doesn't back down.  Most of the neighboring countries depend on these waters for their economic health.
       The odd part is that China barely borders the South China Sea. It simply and flatly states that it's historic dominance in the region gives them the right to make their claims. So the next time you hear someone talking about the South China Sea, you will know enough to pray he or she isn't talking about war with China.