A short news story in today's Wall Street Journal is worth noting: "Japan intensified its rhetoric against China's military, accusing Beijing for the first time of "assertiveness" and saying it needs to keep a closer watch on how China views the contested waters between the two countries."  Also note that China is supposed to launch its first aircraft carrier this month.  Also more here on the maritime rise of China.  When clouds are seen, wise men put on their cloaks....