https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/us-mulling-more-south-china-sea-patrols-with-allies-20180603-p4zj76.html

I know the place well, I did my Vietnam duty there, my ship patrolling just offshore of the DMZ, south of Hainan Island.

The Chinese PLA is fortifying the artificial islands, harbors and air strips they have built up out there, and bringing in missile batteries, infantry, radar and jamming equipment. Although its rarely brought up, I expect mainland air and sea facilities designed to provide combat and logistics support for these installations are being upgraded, and naval exercises are being conducted for the same purpose.

The US is conducting “freedom of navigation” patrols and “showing the flag” in those waters. Both sides are saber rattling and putting on their warpaint.

The nations in that area, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, S Korea, Singapore, Malaysia/indonesia, Australia and New Zealand are US military and trade allies, and they are feeling intimidated. Many are also affected by recent trade and tariff issues and the N Korea problem. Can they count on the US to come to their aid? If so, can they count on the US being able to prevent, or prevail in, a conflict? Do they expect the US will act in its interest, or theirs? Do they expect the US to react rationally at all? You tell me.

Pay attention. If it comes, this is where it will start. And it will probably be by accident not as a result of some well thought-out strategy; which means it will catch everybody off-guard.

Its starting to feel a lot like 1914.