> This does not mean that China is going to go to war over them, certainly it won't go to war with India.

Then why make a claim? Claims are made to prepare the domestic audience so that when war comes there is home support for the action. It is not made lightly.

The Chinese are definitely taking action in the South China Sea. It is not just words.

> Claims are made to prepare the domestic audience so that when war comes there is home support for the action. It is not made lightly.

That's your opinion, not reality.