Freedom of navigation has always been seen as the one red line with China's growing military strength

Will China go to war in January 2013?

Michael Auslin

"The provincial government of Hainan Island in south China, which Beijing gives "jurisdiction" over the South China Sea, has announced that starting in January naval patrols have the right to intercept and board ships that "trespass" the Sea's waters, according to Chinese state media. 

They will also have the authority to force intercepted ships to change course. 

The South China Sea is not just disputed territory between China and five other claimant nations, but also contains some of the world's busiest shipping lanes. ..."  

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If Beijing is confident enough that the rest of the world won't stand up to its step by-step assertion of power in Asia, then that belief may well be put to the test. 

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