Tensions rise as China expands in South China Sea
On an issue bringing attention for decades, the Spratly Islands dispute comes back rising tensions after China builds a runway on Fiery Cross Reef. Countries claiming territory raged when Beijing conducted its first flight test on the disputed region. Analysts say China’s military presence in South China Sea could result to a Beijing-controlled air defence zone. China tries to control almost all of South China Sea while it often holds drills as part of its navy's annual training. The territory is believed to have huge oil and gas deposits. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-states Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim parts of the sea.
China’s intense presence at Spratlys causes reactions
This comes after Vietnam said Beijing violated its sovereignty when it landed a plane on a runway Beijing built on Spratly islands. "China's test flight in Kagitingan Reef definitely has raised tension, and this is one of the causes of concern for countries in the region. First of all, there was the creation of artificial islands, and then they were able to land their aircraft. We fear that eventually China will be able to take control of the South China sea, and it will affect the freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight plus the unimpeded flow of commerce," Philippine Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Charles Jose said.
Which country claims what
Beijing claims most of the Paracel and Spratly islands territory, a place that Taiwan also hopes for. However, Vietnam says it was the first to dominate the islands holding documentation proof. Philippines and China both claim Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Island) whereas Malaysia claims a small part of Spratly islands. Brunei also claims territory in South China Sea but not any of the disputed areas. China completed building a new airfield late in 2015 in the Fiery Cross Reef where as experts support, China could accommodate most Chinese military aircraft.
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