muahahaha, if you got much power in your side and half of East Asia economy at your behalf do you think they want to sit down in negotiation table with us? think twice, which country can be detered against at negotiations table and which one is cannot
Any other option than using all our diplomatic channel?
You are missing my point here, he who defends everything - defends nothing.
Whats the point of massing our limited naval sources in a conflict we cannot win?
Better we use them to avoid more territorial grab from Malaysia.
You forgot the US factor in this case, US have interest on the rich natural gas resource there, we need to hold them in negotiation table and keep our neutrality in Vietnam and Philippines case against China. At the end of the day they need us supporting their influence in this region.
China not yet a regional hegemony in Asia, strong US military presence and backup in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan dan Philippines are they main obstacle to achieve that status. In South East Asia, only Indonesia have the capability to become their mediator and tactical ally in this case (Vietnam is mortal enemy, Philippines still living in Cold War paradigm with Western power as hero and savior and Communism as the great Evil, while Malaysia and Singapore surely belongs to their rival side).
The deeper penetration of China military force in South East Asia, the stronger support we can get from US and Australia. Thats why Australia keep sending us money regardless how many illegal immigrants boats we let pass to Australia.
We need to play our cards well, thats why mass deployment of military assets in Natuna waters will only provoke more frontal reaction from China.
Thats my point of view, now whats yours?
If negotiation and diplomatic approach not an option are you suggesting us to start the ramming ship circus like what happen to Vietnam?