No, but the point is to establish and maintain international precedent. Replying to: Will these freedom of navigation missions cause China to abandon the islands? -- CrackaAssQuacka Post ReplyForum Canis Majoris 01/28/2016, 12:25:57 Author Profile | Edit If I were in charge of the US military I would certainly sail some ships inside the 12nm zone of these islands, to make sure China and everyone else knows that these islands do not possess a 12nm territorial limit. To be honest even if China has a legitimate claim to these islands (and I believe it does), this does not mean that China can build up these islands above the ocean surface at high tide and then go on to claim territorial seas around them. This type of activity is not allowed under UNCLOS, which China has ratified already. In the end, though, might makes right, as it always has, so US and China will continue to play their little games in the SCS until one or the other gives. Recommend | Alert | 5 4 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Where am IGo Up Go TopPost ReplyBack

Followups