CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON:

I think we're getting there. I think we're getting there.

But it's important that when we think about what China is doing in the South China Sea, as John was suggesting, we have to think about it in the broader context of China's broader maritime strategy that is emerging.

And the message they're sending to the region and to the United States is, effectively, our forces will operate at times of our choosing, perhaps even with impunity, in this area out to the so-called Second Island Chain of Guam, and the rest of you have to accept it. And if you don't want to accept it, we care more about this space than you do.

And the Chinese are trying to get, for the first time in their history, some maritime strategic depth around their country.