British media: China builds islands as springboards in the East Sea

BBC reported that the British news agency Reuters recently published an analysis on China's strategy of developing artificial islands and ambitions in the East Sea.

The news agency said China's rapid construction of artificial islands is aimed at creating a springboard for Beijing to expand the scope of operations of its navy, air force, coast guard and fisheries forces, causing concern among surrounding countries.

Chinese fishing boats anchored at the Cross Reef, an archipelago claimed by many countries in the East Sea. (Source: AFP/VNA)

According to photos recently released by the Philippines, China has built and renovated quite a lot on 6 small islands and reefs in the Truong Sa archipelago (China calls it Nam Sa), and has started construction activities on the 7th island.

One point of greatest concern is the development of ports and oil refueling stations, plus airstrips that would allow Beijing to threaten the entire South China Sea.

Reuters quoted a Western diplomatic official as saying: "These projects are larger and more ambitious than we once thought. In many respects, as this plan continues to develop, it will be particularly difficult (for countries) to confront China in the East Sea"./.

According to VNA