Beijing’s strategy in the South China Sea: propaganda and the use of force
Some satellite images released today show China claiming lands within the Philippines Economic Zone in the South China Sea. With the use of dredgers and the construction of dams, the Chinese are moving earth to submerged reefs, creating artificial islets. In addition to the long-standing claim to the Mischief Reefs (occupied by the Chinese in 1995 and claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines), China is illegally occupying six other reefs in the Spratlys islands. China’s action on the coral reefs began in February. Satellite images show that the man-made land will host ports, gas stations, and airstrips. Japan fears China’s rearmament in the region.
