Scuffle in the South China Sea #33

China will be able to project power from the Spratley Islands very shortly.

Here is an unclassified report on the militarization of the South China Sea.  In general, the US intelligence agencies are disputing the Chinese claims of very limited militarization in the South China Sea.

China is planning on flights to and from the disputed islands in the South China Sea. For civilians.

China is both calling the South China Sea the world's 'freest shipping lanes' and refusing to budge on its territorial claims. 

China's South Seas Fleet is becoming the cornerstone of its actions in the South China Sea.

In response to the Chinese moves, the US has placed three B-2 bombers at Diego Garcia and is in talks with Australia to base bombers there. 

The US has a carrier battle group in the South China Sea currently.

The US has also made it clear the US Air Force will continue flights over and threw the South China Sea.

The Philippines is leasing aircraft from Japan to patrol the South China Sea.  China is less than pleased.

Japan also sent a submarine to the Philippines.

Taiwan is also noting the increased militarization in the South China Sea.