Okay...so they have to spend millions to billions making all these new pipelines and rail networks....
To get some level of power.
Now cut out Aussie coal and what do you get?
What about destroying the Three Girges Dam?
What I mean is say, the Philippines fire at these ships and China fires back.
US then gets invovled and China becomes a country with only submarines, but the largest fleet of them
Why submarines.
Make it obvious.
Tell them to back off, and of they do not you will escort them.
If they dint, a warning shot.
After that warning shot if they do not change course you open fire protecting your territorial waters