Scarborough.

This is coolbert:

Forget about Syria. Concern yourself more with Bajo de Masinloc. Known better to the world as Scarborough Shoals.

From Freeper and ABS CBN we have this update via Manila at this very moment as we speak:

"China building structures at Bajo de Masinloc? (Philippines)"

"MANILA (UPDATE) - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has monitored the arrival of concrete materials that could be used by China in building new structures at Bajo de Masinloc. Gazmin made this disclosure before the House Appropriations Committee during the budget briefing of his agency. Gazmin said the concrete materials may be used in the construction of structures."

Scarborough Shoals to the American, Bajo de Masinloc to the Filipino and Huangyan Island to the Chinese.

"Land-mass" in the most figurative form of the word mere rocks only protruding above the water-line during low tide, contested territory in the South China Sea the dominion and sovereignty over which is contest between China and the Philippines.

The Chinese NOW PREPARING TO OCCUPY AND FORTIFY THE SHOALS, BUILDING MATERIAL SPOTTED DURING A ROUTINE AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE?

AND according to the Philippine-European Bulletin the key points of dominion and sovereignty as enunciated by the Filipino:

* "A distinction has to be made between the rock features of Baja de Masinloc and the larger body of water and continental shelf where the said geological features are situated."

* "The Philippines exercises full sovereignty and jurisdiction over the rocks of Baja de Masinloc and sovereign rights over the waters and continental shelf where the said rock features of Baja de Masinloc are situated."

The Philippines single-handedly unable to counter Chinese military might. Such a provocation as occupation of the Bajo a challenge that cannot be denied. That Philippines and the United States DO have a mutual defense treaty. A threat on one is a threat upon the other?

AND this is not an isolated incident but must be taken within a broader context? The Chinese recently crossing the demarcation line, de facto, that exists between disputed territory, the Aksai Chin area of Tibet, the border between  China and India. The former retiring after a two week stand off. Push the door open and see who responds and HOW? This is the question?

coolbert.