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In addition, Part VII of UNCLOS specifies that “Rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.” Under this provision, even if China were to gain control over the Spratlys, its control would be limited to the 12 nautical mile territorial waters, without an accompanying exclusive economic zone.
If, however, China can create “islands” on top of previously submerged features and create conditions for these new islands to “sustain human habitation,” then China would have strongly bolstered its claims to the South China Sea. This is exactly what the Philippines objects to. In an interview for the BBC report, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose called China’s claims in the South China Sea “outrageous,” “excessive,” and “without basis under international law.” He also accused China of trying to change the status quo to strengthen its claims before the arbitration court hands down its ruling on the Philippines’ case.When asked about the BBC report, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying reiterated China’s position that “China’s activities on relevant islands and reefs of the Nansha Islands fall entirely within China’s sovereignty and are totally justifiable.”
originally posted by: Kukri
a reply to: OpenMindedRealist
Yeah so Russia ensured possession of some multi-billion dollar naval station on land that was originally theirs in the first place and China has always laid claim to those islands. Hardly expansionist intentions I would say. Unlike certain other countries who feel legitimized through their so called right to maintaining a "sphere of Influence".
Can you actually give me a legitimate recent example of these two countries expanding their borders (preventing secession doesn't count).
originally posted by: noeltrotsky
China is building an airfield out of that little island, not a military base per se. Japan actually did the same thing to a relatively nearby island. It's really just to make it more affordable to patrol their claim to that part of the sea.
originally posted by: TiM3LoRd
I imagine building an Island out of a reef is no easy or cheap task.
originally posted by: Kukri
"With both Russia and China in expansionist moods I find this a worrying development"
This is news to me! Would you mind expanding on this "expansionism"
originally posted by: Kukri
a reply to: OpenMindedRealist
Yeah so Russia ensured possession of some multi-billion dollar naval station on land that was originally theirs in the first place and China has always laid claim to those islands. Hardly expansionist intentions I would say. Unlike certain other countries who feel legitimized through their so called right to maintaining a "sphere of Influence".
Can you actually give me a legitimate recent example of these two countries expanding their borders (preventing secession doesn't count).