AT SEA (day 70)

That is THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, in addition to it being International Waters this is a pretty busy place. Especially since, CHINA wants to expand its territory to include the Islands that belong to VIETNAM, the PARACELS & the SPRATLEYS, as well as a very small rock formation "Island" that belongs to the PHILIPPINES. Additionally, CHINA has reclaimed land around an island that was no longer visible, underwater, and built an air strip and made it desirable for tourists to visit. CHINA needs/wants these Islands because whatever country they belong to controls 200 miles of fishing rights (they need food for their people) in the water that surrounds them as well as having control of the shipping. (economic empowerment )

Of course both the PHILIPPINES & VIETNAM strongly oppose CHINA and they  have all kinds of demonstrations against what China is doing but, CHINA knows that it is strong and the other two nations are weak. Also, CHINA is telling the world that they are entitled to these islands since these islands belonged to CHINA, since BEFORE CHRIST.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 8, WHEN WE WERE IN THE STRAIGHT OF HYNAN, (on our way to Vietnam)THAT IS OWNED BY CHINA, THIS CHINESE COAST GUARD VESSEL CAME UP ALONG OUR STARBOARD SIDE BLOWING ITS HORN SEEMINGLY TO BE ESCORTING US TO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. 

To refresh your memory about a week ago I posted pictures of a UNITED STATES AIRCRAFT CARRIER on maneuvers in the SOUTH CHINA SEAS .

BANGKOK, THAILAND tomorrow...