Many Of China's Neighbors Prepare For War

Boys Toys vs. Geography -- Alessio Patalano, The Diplomat

Wall Street Journal: China’s Neighbors Bulk Up Militaries

Despite Beijing’s efforts to cool tensions, many nations prepare for potential conflict

MANILA—China’s neighbors are moving forward with the modernization of their militaries with new fighter jets, submarines and other hardware, even as Beijing has tried to tamp down territorial tensions in the region.

The military buildup is an indication that many Asian countries see little reason to adjust their long-term preparations for potential friction with China, despite Beijing’s diplomatic and economic charm offensive.

China made a dramatic shift in its diplomatic approach at a summit in Beijing in November, adopting a more conciliatory tone. This included the first face-to-face meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe since both took power in 2012.

WNU Editor: China has territorial disputes with all of its neighbors .... and the Chinese have made it very clear that they have no interest in "backing down". Faced with such a position .... China's neighbors are getting nervous.