by not play soft i mean, something similar to recent philippine/china event. doesn't mean china will just send it navy and start a war next day. also US is not interest a conflict over SCS unless china become TOO aggressive, which unlikely to happen.If China does not play soft, it will only invite the US to lurk around!
china will keep play a carriot and a stick tactics. if it felt threaten/push back it will use the stick, but it does not mean a war. might be something like civilian ship stand off, or other methods.