Quote:
Originally Posted by zraver
So then why antagonize the biggest players in the region? Making the regions powers nervous is hardly getting the cat to eat peppers. From belligerent statements, violations of international law, consorting with pirates, bullying smaller states all draw attention and provoke a response. Even if China could match the spending of Japan or the US it cannot do both- yet. Add in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and the equation becomes never.
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Because all of them were pushing China around. Chinese fishing vessels were routinely boarded and the Captains arrested. The Japanese resorted to force over a civilian protest of the Daiyu Islands. And the Chinese sees the continued EP-3 patrols as a slap to their national prestige.
From the Beijing perspective, it is now time to push back.