CHINESE HARASSMENT - AT 8:45 A.M. ET: 

WASHINGTON (AP) - Chinese ships surrounded and harassed a Navy mapping ship in international waters off China, at one point coming within 25 feet of the American boat and strewing debris in its path, the Defense Department said Monday. The Obama administration said it would continue naval operations in the South China Sea, most of which China considers its territory, and protested to China about what it called reckless behavior that endangered lives.

At one point during the incident Sunday the unarmed USNS Impeccable turned fire hoses on an approaching Chinese ship in self defense, the Pentagon said. At another point a Chinese ship played chicken with the Americans, stopping dead in front of the Impeccable as it tried to sail away, forcing the civilian mariners to slam on the brakes.

COMMENT:  This follows a familiar Chinese pattern.  You might recall that, in the early weeks of the Bush 43 administration, China forced down an American patrol plane.  The Chinese are testing Obama, and letting him know who's boss in that area.  We'll be watching the administration reaction closely.

No need for missile defense.  No need.

Please note that Hillary Clinton was in the region just a few weeks ago, and now both North Korea and China are ratcheting up tensions.  Her trip did a lot of good.  Another victory for "smart" diplomacy.

March 10, 2009