Current SoS, John Kerry, dispenses his keen insights regarding the South China Sea imbroglio in this article from the Japan Times. Could someone just get him to shut up about things he has no clue...well, maybe that would render him mute, but really?
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/07/28/asia-pacific/u-s-diplomatic-strategy-south-china-sea-appears-founder/#.V5tNHWWma9F
Imagine a foreign policy of the US foundering; actually, you don't have to imagine it, just read the paper on most any day.
Sail On, Oh Ship of State