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China defends land reclamation in South China Sea

BEIJING — China defended its land reclamation in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea today (Nov 24), saying the work is for public service use, although a London-based security group says the new island could host a military airfield to intimidate neighbours.

BEIJING — China defended its land reclamation in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea today (Nov 24), saying the work is for public service use, although a London-based security group says the new island could host a military airfield to intimidate neighbours.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the construction on some reefs in the archipelago is “mainly aimed at improving the working and living conditions of the Chinese staff working there so that they can better perform international obligations in terms of search, rescue and other public services”.

In a recent report, IHS Jane’s said satellite images taken in August and November showed that Chinese dredgers had created a land mass almost the entire length of Fiery Cross Reef, which was previously under water. The security group said it is the largest construction project China has undertaken in the island chain.

IHS Jane’s said the new island — at least 3,000m long — could be China’s first military airstrip in the Spratly Islands and might be aimed at helping Beijing impose its sovereignty claims over neighbouring countries that also claim the territory.

“Given its massive military advantage over the other claimants in terms of quantity and quality of materiel, this facility appears purpose-built to coerce other claimants into relinquishing their claims and possessions, or at least provide China with a much stronger negotiating position if talks over the dispute were ever held,” the report said.

Ms Hua told a regular news briefing today that such remarks were “irresponsible” and that China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the Spratly Islands, which are also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei.

She said China has insisted that maritime disputes be resolved peacefully and through negotiations. AP

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