Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

www.imoa.ph

U.S. ‘troubled’ by Chinese building plans in South China Sea

IMOA

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June 18, 2015

ADIZ, Air Defense Identification Zone, Artificial Islands, China, Militarization, Military Conflict, Philippines, Reclamation, Regular Patrols, South China Sea Dispute, Spratlys, USA

WASHINGTON — The United States is troubled by China’s plans to keep building on artificial islands in the South China Sea, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said Thursday.

Assistant Secretary of State Danny Russel told journalists that the prospect of China militarizing those maritime outposts runs counter to the goal of reducing regional tensions.

China has territorial disputes with several neighbours in the South China Sea. According to the U.S., China has reclaimed 2,000 acres (800 hectares) on reefs and atolls there since last year, a move that has sharpened its differences with the U.S., which says it has an interest in freedom of navigation there.