June 17, 2015

Q1: What has China announced about its land reclamation activities in the Spratly Islands?

A1: On June 16, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announcedthat “as planned, the land reclamation project of China’s construction on some stationed islands and reefs of the Nansha (Spratly) Islands will be completed in the upcoming days.” He noted that after land reclamation was complete, China would continue to construct facilities on its islands.

Kang indicated that China’s position on its island building remained largely consistent. He reiterated that “the construction activities on the Nansha islands and reefs fall within the scope of China’s sovereignty, and are lawful, reasonable, and justified.” Kang also restated that the artificial islands have defense purposes, as well as civilian purposes, including search and rescue, scientific research, ecological conservation, and fishing. Kang declined to offerspecific details on which islands were close to complete. Tiếp tục đọc “China’s land reclamation announcement: A change in message, not in policy” →