he South China Sea — despite all of the controversy, so-called "historical claims" and the growing chances of blood being spilled over it — is the beating heart of Asia's economy.

The rationale for such a statement is straightforward. This vital part of the global commons, home to some US$5.3 trillion in seaborne trade, is the world's richest shipping route, carrying critical natural resources that power China, Japan, South Korea and many other Asian economies.

Economics demand that the South China Sea is a strategic waterway of the upmost importance. From massive island building and militarization of such features by Beijing, Washington's freedom of navigation operations (FONOPS), to nations like Vietnam who are working to reinforce and militarize their own claims, what has been dubbed "Asia's Cauldron" will certainly remain one of the Asia-Pacific's great hotspots for years to come.