We could have a mini WAR here.

Think on this:

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/01/us-challenges-provocative-china-sea-law-201419231815633946.html

Let us suppose that the U.S. did not say anything.

If it did not, would these four nations Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam take on China.

Taiwan already knows it place in relationship to China.

Malaysia has a very friendly tilt towards China.

Brunei is a very little nice friendly outpost of the old British Colonial office - friendly benign and appropriately corrupt in its British style.

Now Vietnam could be difficult.

Until this U.S. war blast, did you read anywhere of any of these 4 nations blasting China on this matter as the U.S. has done. I know have I have not.

So, are these 4 nations going to close ranks against U. S. and engage in a sea battle?

Anyone for a bet re:

1. whether they would really get down to a real bloody fight?

and

2. who will win if they did have a sustained sea war?

Do you know the distance between Hawaii and the South China Sea and Hawai. The U.S. has is principle base for its Pacific fleet in Hawaii..