In 2013, China embarked on a massive land reclamation project, expanding seven reefs in the Spratlys into large artificial islands. Photo: People’s Daily
Liu Zhen, SCMP: ‘Time for tougher deterrence from China’ as US steps up patrols in South China Sea
* Chinese analyst says American forces should have to think twice before going ‘too far’ with their activities in the contested waters
China should reinforce “deterrence facilities” in the South China Sea as the United States and its allies mount a bigger challenge in the contested waters, a prominent Chinese specialist said.
“Tension in the South China Sea will rise in the coming year so we must deploy some defensive facilities that are able to overawe American warships entering nearby waters,” said Wu Shicun, head of the government-affiliated National Institute for South China Sea Studies.
On the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan on Friday, Wu said the US would step up what it called freedom of navigation operations in the area with more frequent and wider-ranging manoeuvres this year.
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WNU Editor: In the meantime China is publicly telling everyone that they are going to expand their presence in the South China Sea .... China envisions an ‘island city’ in South China Sea (Asia Times).
