It looks and feels like they continue to be the bully because they generally are (by modern standards) and that is basically how they do things. On the other hand, had they made any kind of offer to buy, lease, or negotiate a crag, island or port from any of their neighbors, it would forever concede that they don't believe they own all of it. So this way, ironically, was their best choice. So, offer a trillion: then it appears they don't believe they already own it. Build an island close to their coast (instead of go large) it appears they don't believe they own the whole sea. It's possible the U.S. and China planned the whole sail-by from the other day just so they could each do their posturing. I think the U.S. really cares more about surface and underwater transit in that area. Plus, if the constant wave motion doesn't erode those islands the next tsunami might re-arrange them. We have chided them to be more involved militarily in world events so we aren't really faulting them for projecting power and influence.