China expands naval bases in disputed seas

[schwartzie]

Pacific war? China expands naval bases in disputed seas as US agrees Taiwan warship deal
CHINA is building seven illegal, man-made military islands in the South China Sea triggering a new and deadly arms race with the West.
By Tom Batchelor
PUBLISHED: 18:00, Tue, Dec 15, 2015 | UPDATED: 18:01, Tue, Dec 15, 2015

IS warships on drill in the South China Sea
China is building airfields and other military facilities on seven man-made islands

Tensions between the Asian powerhouse and the United States are mounting over Beijing's massive naval building programme in disputed international waters.

China is building airfields and other military facilities on man-made islands that have seemingly emerged from nowhere in the South China Sea.

The outcrops occupy strategic locations in key shipping lanes and in territory that China's neighbours insist it has no permission to build.

Now, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet has warned of a possible arms race in the disputed waters.

Commander Admiral Scott Swift raised concerns that after decades of peace, "we may be seeing the leading edge of a return of 'might makes it right' to the region".

The military chief added: "Even now, ships and aircraft operating nearby these features, in accordance with international law are subject to superfluous warnings that threaten routine commercial and military operations."

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