Rumors of War - Kings of the East

Report: Chinese aircraft carrier could be deployed to 'protect' South China Sea 
UPI reports: "A Chinese aircraft carrier that recently entered the Taiwan Strait could be deployed to guard the South China Sea, Chinese state media said Monday. [...] Global Times said Monday the carrier is likely to be deployed to guard the South China Sea, where the country has been militarizing disputed islands."

Comment: The military progress China has made in just one generation is impressive.  I think they are on the verge of announcing their own Monroe Doctrine and declaring all of the South China Sea to be under their sovereign control. Will the U.S. risk WWIII to challenge that or accede to Chinese demands?