Best evidence of rising fear of Chinese craving is Australia’s welcome of US troops to its territory. 2,500 will eventually rotate in, but the symbolism and deterrence value is even more critical. Would not take seriously thin denials from Obama Administration and Australian counterparts that this is not directed at China - after all no benefit in admitting to fear of rising China challenge in Pacific/Indian Oceans. The challenge is real, and beyond trade and economics. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton simultaneously and not so coincidentally stopped off in the Philippines to send another message to Beijing – China and the Philippines have been engaged in their own showdown that now involves gunboats over competing territorial waters claims. (Read: “Clinton vows greater support for Philippine defense” by Christine O. Avendano of Philippine Daily Inquirer - globalnation.inquirer.net/18437/clinton-vows-greater-support-for-ph-defense). It would be indeed the height of irony if Vietnam also called upon Washington to assist in defense against “expansionist” China only 40 years later after Beijing had helped Hanoi resist “imperialist” US. Australia though is the next logical brick, in order to avoid becoming another of the BRICS. Australia is the one that lays the eggs of copper, iron ore, uranium etc that China buys. Perhaps there was some growing unease that China might just go for the whole golden goose, not now but at some unguarded point in the future. Whether the China threat is real or not, Beijing’s muscular economy and currency reserves fueling resurgent military spending have gotten neighbors and Washington nervous. Should they be nervous? China has not been entirely discreet about either its territorial claims/ambitions in the region. (“Spratly Islands and surrounding seas - Read: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/vietnam-china-position-for-a-faceoff-along-with-philippines-malaysia-brunei-and-taiwan-by-ambassador-mo/29292), or in dealing with internal dissent. China’s human rights record to some exhibits a disdain for criticism. (Read - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/obama-china-on-currency-trade-by-ambassador-mo/41743). In this instance, I do not judge or anticipate Beijing’s intentions, but it appears many Aussies are at least not at ease. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX “WarCrimesJustice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice