Japan Edges Up in South China Sea

Peter Blaza reports for Reuters today that a Japanese submarine has docked in the former US military base at Subic Bay, the first visit for Japan in 15 years.  It seems that more than the US will be putting ships and planes into the area claimed by China.  Sooner or later, there will be an incident.  China is going to keep ratcheting up on the controls in this area, tightening and loosening as pressure dictates. They would like to keep a lid on any violent exahanges, but may find that more difficult to do.  China argues that it is their territory, and other countries in the region say it isn't.   China still wants control and is not going to take no for an answer.  The perfect mix for a confrontation.