China Builds New Structure in Disputed Waters Claimed by US Ally
NewsweekMAY 2
Report: China Expanding South China Sea Military Network
Above: An aerial view of Whitsun Reef, Spratly Islands, South China Sea. Image copyright: Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2021
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
China's military expansion represents legitimate defensive measures aimed at protecting its sovereign territory and maintaining regional stability. The bases provide necessary infrastructure to safeguard lawful maritime rights and counter external provocations that threaten peace. These developments reflect China's growing capacity to defend its interests against foreign interference.
Anti-China narrative
The rapid militarization of disputed territories violates international law and threatens regional security through coercive tactics. These artificial islands enable China to project power far from its mainland, creating a destabilizing military presence that undermines freedom of navigation and intimidates neighboring countries with legitimate territorial claims.