Cuba is regionally within the U.S. Is the South China sea regionally within the U.S.?

This is a matter of common sense for which:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/15/china-us-region-south-china-sea

Once upon a time the power and reach of the U.S. was world wide. Is the power and reach of the U.S. still world wide.

If it is, then carry on and have it out with China whom you now owe over three trillion dollars.

There is a saying:

If you can't pay up, then shut up.

Otherwise it can be so embarrassing, shameful and humbling.