China Defends Island Construction in South China Sea

 

The construction was necessary and not a sign its policy toward the region was changing, he said adding that the construction did not target or affect anyone.

 

The islands and reefs which China has constructed are its inherent territory, over which China owns undisputable sovereignty. It is legitimate and justified to build major infrastructure projects on its own territory.

 

Besides, China's construction activities currently underway on its own islands and reefs do not violate any international law.

 

Beijing’s actions have raised concerns from the United States and others in the region, but Wang said China will uphold freedom of navigation in the waters and denies the buildup targets anyone.

 

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims to parts of the potentially energy-rich waters that are crossed by key global shipping lanes.

 

For months, there have been complaints about China’s activities in the South China Sea. And a few weeks ago, analysis and photos released by IHS Jane’s and the Center for Strategic and International Studies revealed just how far along that effort was.

 

According to analysis and satellite images, China is building up several reefs it controls that are hundreds of kilometers away from its coast. On one reef, China has brought in so much land that it has created a new island. It has built a helipad on one and an airfield on another.

 

China claims about 90 per cent of the South China Sea, displaying its reach on official maps with a so-called nine-dash line that stretches deep into the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.