Carl, I agree with what you stated, but some of these companies are already there. And as you pointed out there may be no intention of escalating to hostilities, but it can still happen, and perhaps is more likely to happen the more they challenge each other with these contracts over the same piece of water.I read both articles. I think they might be cited as well to say that these companies don't want to go in until the situation is resolved as to say that they are willing to push it in order to get in first. One of the articles seemed to say that even when blocks are awarded exploration is not being made because the situation is too dicey.
To clarify I have no experience in these maritime matters, so I'm not sure how they differ from say a disputed land border. Suspect it is a little bit harder to occupy a piece of water that doesn't have an island or shoal in the vicinity there of, but as you pointed out.
CNOOC, views one of their drilling rigs thusly "CNOOC has described the vessel as "mobile national territory".
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