In any series of negotiations, it is critical to keep as many issues as possible "on the table", for as long a period as you can.

In my view, this is the predominant rationale behind the territorial claims being made by China. Whether I'm right or not, it would in any case be downright pointless for Beijing to turn around and say "ok fellas, you're right, we concede" at this stage. Why would they?

Territorial disputes like these are extremely handy negotiating points, because you actually don't have to do anything except a) fly over them once in a while and b) complain bitterly when the other side does the same.

All good, clean fun. And no-one gets hurt.

David G,

I'm sure China's neighbours are quite capable of making their own independent strategic assessments. If they support the US it's because they prefer the current American hegemony to the prospect of an authoritarian Chinese hegemony, better the Devil you know.
The current situation is similar to the Cold War, same game different players and also with the possibility of catastrophic miscalculations by either side. Freed from the suffocating influence of the Communist ideology China is a far more formidable rival to the US and SE Asia than than the Soviet Union ever was

Mac, far from suffocating their economy, the handling of the economy by the Chinese authorities, combining socialism with capitalism, has been remarkable! It has brought success to China despite its enormous population.

And don't forget that Australia is riding on the back of this success. And even America is relying on Chinese investment.

Keep in mind also that the U.S. is trying to gain control of the world. If you knew anything about the situation in America, you might see that this is not a good thing especially for the working and middle classes.

Australia should not allow itself to become a pawn of the U.S. We cannot afford to alienate all our neighbors especially China.

David G

"..far from suffocating their economy.." Yes, that's the point I was making.

"Keep in mind also that the U.S. is trying to gain control of the world." I doubt it, America is attempting to maintain its influence, although I don't agree with many US foreign policy decisions, American hegemony is better than the alternatives. Despite its many imperfections the US is a great democracy with a kindred culture, China isn't and its neighbours in Asia must be concerned as to whether or not the "Middle Kingdom" mentality has returned. The potential for Chinese revanchism, particularly in regard to Japan, is an alarming prospect.

"Australia should not allow itself to become a pawn of the U.S." agreed, however that doesn't mean we don't cooperate with the US when we have mutual strategic interests.

"Despite its many imperfections the US is a great democracy with a kindred culture," says Mac without a touch of irony.

Gee, Mac, what do you mean by a kindred culture? We don't have gun massacres every other day. We aren't bombing the crap out of other nations? We aren't trying to build up an army by punishing those on welfare, are we? We aren't claiming that we are 'exceptional' or 'the greatest nation in the history! We aren't building military bases everywhere, are we?

Kindred culture. Balls!

Mac,

Save your breath, DavidG is well past the point where any amount of reasoning or common sense can move him.

I don't think we have much to worry about from China. Actually, we should be more concerned about what people like DavidG might do if given half the chance!