This means of course that the US is militarising in the Pacific.
It naively takes the position that says "we are not concerned with territorial disputes between our puppets Japan, Korea and the Phillipines, and China".
No-one believes this crap.
The US has stirred up warlike posturing because it wants control over these countries and their oil potential around offshore islands.
Looking forward to the fun and games. Just as long as Panetta has got the message that he can expect no help from New Zealand.
Much as he thinks it would be useful for US marines to "train" Kiwi troops in amphibious warfare.
FFS, we are surrounded by water. Does he think we have not figured that out already?