The US cannot afford to lose this one as it would cause immeasurable un ease in the ASEAN countries but how do you bring China to the negotiation table once the Islands are occupied. Have aircraft craft carriers protecting Malaysian fishing vessels???? What would happen if Malaysia made an agreement with America to set up a naval base on one of the disputed Spraltly's Islands, Would it become a game of GOH where Vietnam, japan, Philipines and India quickly rush to grab their Island so they don't miss out! Easy grab for japan to take some Islands and militarize them, but would India follow???
