Pentagon: China’s reclamation increasing in South China Sea

The report, the contents of which were revealed by the Wall Street Journal, found that China had, as of June 2015, reclaimed 2,900 acres of land across the archipelago of disputed islands.

Carter said other countries were involved in construction activities on land features that they were claiming “but China is by far and away the one that has done the most, especially in the past year”. And, as China’s assertiveness grows, the risk of conflict with the U.S. and its allies grows along with it, defense officials have said.

Malacanang on Saturday again expressed concern over China’s land reclamation projects in the disputed Spratly islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“Although preparation for a potential Taiwan conflict remains the primary driver of Chinese investment, China is also placing emphasis on preparing for contingencies in the East and South China Sea”, it said. Construction activities were “completely within the scope of China’s sovereignty”, it added.

The islands are big enough to erect buildings and house equipment, and, in one case, support a 3,000-foot runway.

Valte issued this statement following’s US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter’s comments that the Chinese reclamation works in the disputed sea have created “a very serious situation”.

China had reclaimed 17 times more land in 20 months than the other claimants combined over the past 40 years, accounting for approximately 95 percent of all reclaimed land in the Spratlys, it added.

Mr Kerry also criticised “restrictions” put in place in recent months by China, saying Washington would not accept any restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight.

The report indicated that at some sites, China has excavated deep channels and has built new berthing areas to allow access for larger ships that could be used to assert territorial claims.

According to the report, China is modernizing every aspect of its maritime-related military law enforcement capabilities, including its naval surface fleet, submarines, aircraft, missiles, radar capabilities and coast guard.

US says 1,170 hectares of land in South China Sea has been reclaimed by China, much more than previously reported.

“By undertaking these actions, China is unilaterally altering the physical status quo in the region, thereby complicating diplomatic initiatives that could lower tensions”, the report warned. But some officials inside the Pentagon and at the White House say they have resisted flying such patrols for fear of provoking China.

“As we’ve always had the right to do, we will continue to do that, and none of this is going to change our conduct in any way”, he said.