China building island could be proof that the country is flexing its considerable military muscle. This newly island is massive enough to host an airstrip that is located in the South China Sea.
Since news of this new building broke out, it has become a source of regional tension over highly disputed territorial claims.
Imagery from the satellite that was obtained by HIS Jane showed that China building island for the past three months, as indicated by images of Chinese dredges creating a big land mass. This artificial land mass is nearly the same length as the Fiery Cross Reef in the contested Spratly Islands.
Moreover, other satellite images showed that the dredges were also making a seaport to the east of the reef. Judging the images, it would appear that they were large enough to hold tankers and other types of major surface combatants.
The Spratly Islands is actually an archipelago of smaller islands, reefs and shoals. It is located between the Philippines and Vietnam. However, apart from the two aforementioned countries, Taiwan, China, Brunei, and Malaysia have also staked their claims to the collection of islands.
Lt. Colonel Jeffery Pool told Agence France-Press last Friday that China building island is actually one of the several land reclamation projects that China has pursued, but the first one that is large enough to accommodate an airstrip. "It appears that's what they're working towards," said Pool.
The United States, however, is adamantly against China's land-grabbing ways and wants the governments of other nations to also refrain from doing the same. "We urge China to stop its land reclamation program and engage in diplomatic initiatives to encourage all sides to restrain themselves in these sorts of activities," Pool said.
The news that China building island fueled other countries' speculations that the nation is turning the disputed islands into military installations. This recent land reclamation project only further exacerbates tensions.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
