The immediate future is likely to be characterized by sharper diplomatic exchanges and probes and counter-probes at sea.
However, severe military clashes are unlikely, although the occasional skirmish is highly possible.
The balance of naval power is strongly in America’s favour and the Chinese goal is essentially one of seeking to deny the American navy unconditional access to certain waters, rather than to challenge the crucial American interest of keeping the sea lanes open.
In the longer term, new issues will arise as China seeks to protect its own trade routes.