US(Washington Insider Magazine)- China has fully militarized the three artificial islands that are built on the South China sea. The South China Sea. China claimed that the island bases are being militarized and the project is in progress. The country’s sparatly islands have territorial claims over the South China Sea and they have been a frequent source of tension with the neighboring nations. The freedom of navigation has been on halt due to the tension between other countries and the United States. The bases in south will bolster its engagement in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Six Other Governments Have Claimed Rights Over The Islands
The artificial island is surrounded by a lot of controversies. Six other governments that include countries like Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam have asserted claims over the islands. In the past 20 years, the largest military buildup is seen on the islands since World War II. The teams have advanced all their capabilities and have built up the weaponization that is destabilizing the region.
Islands Are Armed With Crafts and Missiles
The islands are equipped with an armed military base. The anti-ship and anti-aircraft carrier are powerful enough to fight any kind of challenge. President Xi of China has stated that he would not transform the artificial islands into military bases. It is a known fact that China intends to expand its military construction to some other islands.
China has fully militarized at least three of several islands. It has built up the disputed South China Sea and is arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems.
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US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John C Aquilino shared that the hostile actions were in contrast to Chinese president Xi Jinping’s assurances that Beijing will not be transforming the artificial islands in the waters that go into the military bases. The efforts were being made in China’s flexing part of the military muscle.
China Has Sovereignty Over The Spratly islands
The subi reef is owned by China and the military has maintained a high profile to provide the best defense to the islands. China maintains its sovereign rights and after years of increased military spending on the dash line China now boasts the world’s second-largest defense budget after the United States.
The country has been rapidly modernizing its force with weapons systems. Just like USA China is now equipped with 20 stealth fighters, hypersonic missiles, and two aircraft carriers, with a third under construction. China is now carrying out Asia maritime transparency initiative and will be making the islands more secure.
The onboard US navy reconnaissance aircraft flew near Chinese-held outposts in the South China Sea. It is one of the most hotly contested regions in the world. During the patrol, the soldiers detected P-8A Poseidon plane and were warned by Chinese callers. They also illegally entered China’s territory and ordered the plane to move away. China has sovereignty over the Spratly islands and all the surrounding maritime areas.
The Disputed Waterway Can Get Within The Chinese Islands Missile System
The US military and civilian planes flew over the disputed waterway and this could easily get within range of the Chinese islands’ missile system. That is a big threat that exists, and this is the reason why it is so concerning for the militarization of these islands. This has threatened all nations who have been operating in the vicinity and all the international waters and airspace.
China sought to shore up its vast territory and has claims over the islands. The country has been building the South China Sea and has built islands based on coral atolls. This started a decade ago but it has now been reformed.
The US responded by sending off its warships within the region which is called the freedom of operational missions. The US has also no claims but has deployed all the navy ships and aircraft that are there to patrol and promote free navigation.
China routinely objects to the fiery cross and the action by the US military in the region. The action was taken by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei as they claim a part of the sea. This is approximately $5tn of the goods that are shipped every year.
Despite China’s aggression, this has caused long-simmering territorial conflicts and must only be resolved peacefully. The Philippine government’s successful move has helped to bring the disputes to an end with China. The international arbitration in 2013 also set out a good template.
