Beijing/Washington: China will soon complete some of its land reclamation on the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, indicating that Beijing is close to setting up new outposts in the maritime heart of south-east Asia.
The United States, which has called for a halt in China’s island building in the South China Sea, said it had “noted” Beijing’s announcement, but was concerned about its plans for more construction work, including for military defence.
“China’s stated plans do not contribute to a reduction in tensions, support the emergence of diplomatic and peaceful solutions, or bolster China’s disputed maritime claims,” a State Department spokesperson said.
China stepped up its creation of artificial islands last year, alarming several countries in Asia and drawing growing criticism from Washington. There have been recent tensions between the Chinese navy and the US military around the Spratlys.
The Foreign Ministry did not say which of the seven reefs undergoing reclamation would be finished soon but said this was “in accordance with the set work plan”. It gave no time frame, but said China would build facilities on the islands to “fulfil the relevant functions”.
It reiterated the islands would help with maritime search and rescue, disaster relief, environmental protection and offer navigational assistance as well as have undefined military purposes.