China to build up atoll in contested South China Sea, source says. (Scmp).
China will start reclamation at the Scarborough
Shoal in the South China Sea later this year and may add an airstrip to
extend its air force’s reach over the contested waters, a military
source and mainland maritime experts say.
A source close to the PLA Navy said Beijing
would ramp up work to establish a new outpost 230km off the coast of the
Philippines as the US and Manila drew their militaries closer together.
An upcoming ruling on territorial claims by the
Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, widely expected to go
against China, would also accelerate the plan, the source said.
Manila wants the court to declare that
Beijing’s claims must comply with the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea, and the decision could come next month or in June.
“Beijing will take action to carry out land
reclamation at Huangyan Island within this year,” said the source, who
requested anonymity, referring to the shoal.
“China should regain the initiative to do so
because Washington is trying to contain Beijing by establishing a
permanent military presence in the region.” Read the full story here.
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