When did South China Sea become China's "core interest"?

[Bombay Dude]

exactly.

but china must not give this indian regime an inch, or they will think china is weak and take it a mile.

one deadly strike to a country like india if they mess around in the south china sea will send a clear message to india, vietnam, philippines, japan, etc.
that china means business if anyone interfers in chinese territory.

one strong military response is all it takes from china to put these mickey mouse powers back in the cage.
they keep poking china, trying to get a response from china.

china should use a disproportionate use of force ONCE to send the message loud and clear.
then i guarantee u, none of these countries would dare test china again.

letting these countries get away with testing china has given them confidence that they can do whatever and get away with it.
china was not tough enough the first time. this causes more countries to test china.
thats what happens when u give someone and inch, they take it a mile.

china needs some no nonsense hawks in power.

China already showed What it is capable off by hunting peaceful Monks