The tiny atoll that could trigger a China-US conflict

News Snapshot:

“China has overwhelming naval firepower both in terms of its navy and maritime militia. There is no way within the Chinese system that anyone would advocate any compromise. They can tie the Philippines down and prevent the Philippines from achieving their objective, no matter how long it goes on for.“ China has more to gain by holding its ground despite the reputational damage from a dispute which the Philippines may lose militarily, but will win on the public relations front. By taking an increasingly aggressive stance, Beijing sends a clear message to other ASEAN nations about who is the boss....