Tornado Alley (PROG)

[StephanieVanbryce]

U.S. beefs up military options for China as Obama reassures allies in Asia. The WSJ's Adam Entous and Julian E. Barnes on Page One this morning: "The U.S. military has prepared options for a muscular response to any future Chinese provocations in the South and East China seas, ranging from displays of B-2 bomber flights near China to aircraft-carrier exercises near its coastal waters, officials said.

"The menu of options, described by officials briefed on the action plan, reflects concerns that U.S. allies in Asia have questions about the Obama administration's commitments to its security obligations, particularly after Russia's seizure of the Crimean peninsula.
"The security question has closely followed President Barack Obama in recent days during his four-country Asian trip.

Washington's closest allies in Asia have told American counterparts that Crimea is seen as a possible litmus test of what Washington will do if China attempted a similar power grab in the South China and East China seas, according to current and former U.S. officials.

"'They're concerned. But it's not only about Crimea. It's a crescendo that's been building,' a senior U.S. defense official said, citing skepticism in Asia that Washington is prepared to back up its word and carry through on its renewed strategic focus on Asia.

"Just before Mr. Obama landed in the Philippines on Monday, U.S. and Philippine officials finalized an agreement allowing for the return of U.S. forces, more than two decades after Philippine opposition forced Washington to abandon its military network there.

"Similarly, Mr. Obama in a visit to Japan stood side-by-side Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and called the U.S. treaty commitments to Japan's security 'absolute.'" More here. [ http://online.wsj.com/news/article_email/SB10001424052702304163604579528122105809740-lMyQjAxMTA0MDIwNzEyNDcyWj?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=*Situation%20Report&utm_campaign=SITREP%20APRIL%2028%202014 ]

scary stuff ... .. I got a 'free pass at the wsj' the article is worth it .. I just clicked on the link this morning .. and there it was .. .. ;) Obama needs to now prove to people that he 'really would protect' them.. they're afraid he won't ... It came up in each country.... I think Obama has done what he hasn't done due to Iran...I don't know ..just guessing, I keep looking for something ... go read it it's worth it ..