Tensions are rising again as China steps up its land reclamation and construction projects in disputed parts of the South China Sea. Such moves in areas where disputes over islands and reefs exist among China, Vietnam, the Philippines and other countries threaten to escalate into situations that are hard to control. Beijing should halt its destabilizing activities and instead make efforts to deepen trust with other countries in the region and build mutually beneficial relationships based on cooperation.
According to the U.S. State Department, China has so far reclaimed an estimated eight sq. km of land in the South China Sea. Since the reclaimed area was roughly two sq. km as of the end of last year, the total space increased fourfold in less than half a year. Knowledgeable sources say China is building a runway and a harbor on the Spratly Islands, which are claimed in whole or in part by China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan. Obviously China is seeking to achieve a fait accompli in its effective control of the islands.
In early April, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Harry B. Harris accused China of creating a "great wall of sand" and said that the "scope and pace of building man-made islands raise serious questions about Chinese intentions." The U.S. State Department has urged China to make serious efforts to ease tension in the area, pointing out that China's activities are causing tensions to rise.