NOBEL PEACE PRIZE UPDATE: Militarization of South China Sea Proceeds Apace. “The cat is out of the bag: new satellite imagery confirms that weapons have been installed on China’s artificial islands in the South China Sea, despite Beijing’s official claims that it is not seeking to militarize the region.”

Plus: “The question of the hour is how Donald Trump will handle the increasingly volatile region. Early word from Trump security advisor Jim Woolsey suggested that the incoming administration intends to project power more forcefully and push back against Chinese expansionism. Trump’s subsequent appointments are painting a fuller picture. His Secretary of Defense, General James Mattis, is on the record supporting a naval buildup to counterbalance against China’s ‘bullying role’ in the South China Sea. And Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, has shown a willingness to buck Beijing’s claims as well: as CEO of Exxon Mobil, Tillerson signed a controversial deal with Vietnam to drill in disputed waters, provoking China’s anger.”