I assume this was meant to be comforting to the Philippines:
US Secretary of State John Kerry warned China Tuesday against imposing an air defense zone over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), similar to one it declared over disputed islands in the East China Sea.
"The zone should not be implemented and China should refrain from taking similar, unilateral actions elsewhere in the region, and particularly over the South China Sea," Kerry told a news conference in Manila.
No word if Kerry set a red line or promised unbelievably small consequences if China ignores his warning.
Ya see, this is where a reputation for seriousness would come in handy to back our expressed "deep concerns."
I fear our foes see a three-year window of opportunity to get what they can while the getting is good.
And one of those opportunistic foes will stumble into a war with us that we don't want.
Sorry. I'm feeling particularly depressed about our foreign policy leadership--such as it is. I'm sure it will get much better in the new year. Right? Right!?
Oh God, what a charade.
