China Threatens to Deny Passage Rights through Peripheral Seas

[endicom]

World Affairs
Gordon G. Chang
Feb. 20, 2017

On Tuesday, Chinese state media reported that the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council is considering amendments to the 1984 Maritime Traffic Safety Law. “The revisions are based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and Chinese laws on the seas, adjacent areas, and exclusive economic zones,” noted the Global Times, a tabloid controlled by the Communist Party’s People’s Daily.

If enacted, the amendments, slated to take effect in 2020, would violate Beijing’s obligations as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Specifically, the changes would require foreign ships to obtain permission to pass through “Chinese waters.”

China’s rules are inconsistent with the internationally accepted concept of “innocent passage,” which is incorporated in Section 3 of UNCLOS, as the UN convention is known, and recognized by customary international law.

More... http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/gordon-g-chang/china-threatens-deny-passage-rights-through-peripheral-seas

[endicom]

I don't know if this is feasible but I've thought of commercial shipping going through the Philippine islands to bypass Chinese waters. The Philippines could serve as a waystation for refueling or needed supplies or repairs. Or as a transfer point.

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[endicom]

That omits their contention with Japan. The PRC certainly has a talent for making enemies.

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   They do have a tendency to bully and generally piss off all their neighbors.
   They got the best (only) friend their money can buy-Kim jong-un.

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Tell the Chinese their ships or ships hauling their products are no longer welcome in our waters or ports if they want to play this game.