The Chinese threat of domination in their immediate region is causing some of the neighbouring territories to boost their defence capabilities. They have to be probably diverting resources which would have been used for development to acquire arms which they were not ready to purchase. I don't disagree with them seeking to defend their territories but I am wondering if in case there was an armed conflict with China these countries could mount an effective counteraction against the Chinese aggression.
Well ... to be honest we all want to live in a peacefull way, unfortunately thats not how the world works, where the strongest will bully the weak.
This is just recently happen 5 days ago and the second time in three months.
Indonesian Navy Close to Another Standoff With China in Natuna Waters
Jakarta. The Indonesian Navy came close to another standoff with its Chinese counterpart on Friday (27/05) when it intercepted a Chinese fishing vessel in the waters off the Natuna Islands, a military spokesman said on Sunday.
Maj. Josdy Damopoli, a spokesman for the Fourth Naval Base in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands province, said the Indonesian frigate Oswald Siahaan 354 intercepted the fishing vessel Gui Bei Yu while a Chinese coastguard vessel stood by as officials boarded the fishing vessel to apprehend its crew.
Although acknowledging that the Natuna Islands belong to Indonesia, China has claimed the waters around it as its "traditional fishing grounds."
On March 19, an Indonesian patrol boat intercepted a Chinese boat fishing illegally in Natuna's waters but a Chinese coastguard vessel intervened and prevented Indonesian officials from confiscating the boat.
The incident, which sparked diplomatic tensions between the two countries, was eventually shrugged off as "a misunderstanding."
Josdy said there have been two more incidents since March where Chinese coastguard vessels were seen patrolling the waters around the Natuna Islands as authorities pursued Chinese fishing vessels for illegally entering Indonesian territorial waters.
"
At the time, the pursuit [of the fishing vessels] involved a tiny patrol boat belonging to the KKP [the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries]. But this time [the Chinese coastguard vessel] did not dare to interrupt because the chase involved a frigate," Josdy told Detik.com on Sunday.
The spokesman said eight people were arrested in Friday's operation. The fishing vessel tried to escape to international waters despite repeated radio contact and warning shots into the air and water. The boat eventually stopped after the Navy fired a final warning shot across its bows.
Since the March incident, Indonesia has been stepping up patrols in waters surrounding the Natuna Islands using bigger Navy ships and maritime ministry patrol boats to secure the area.
Source:
http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/indonesian-navy-close-another-standoff-china-natuna-waters/
Thats what will happen if you dont have a 'big stick' when you face them.
