S. Forces (2009) adds clarity to the situation and defines the conventional limits that the commander already respects. If his ethical decisions are in line with convention, his decision to act has a solid basis. The right to assist grants the commander authority to act in self-defense of stranded Americans and to act once it is determined that the Chinese vessel is not acting within legitimate authority in attacking an oil vessel. Having the fortitude to act when the situation is not black and white is what the commander is paid to do. The PLA vessel claims that police action is underway. The truth is that they attacked a Vietnamese oil ship and there are American lives there