The Philippines' recent provocative behavior in the South China Sea is worrying, with it storming China's territorial waters for two consecutive days, including Scarborough Shoal on December 9 and Ren'ai Jiao on December 10.
These islands and reefs are of great importance to China, rich in fisheries and minerals, and are strategically located. In the face of provocations from the Philippines, China's attitude is very firm
But there is some speculation about whether China will reclaim land on the islands. Will China take such a move?What will happen if land reclamation is carried out?
Scarborough Shoal and Ren'ai Jiao are both Chinese territory, and they are located in the middle of the South China Sea, so they are geographically important. Scarborough Shoal was occupied by the Philippines from 1997 to 2012
The Philippines withdrew completely, and China regained control of the island. However, the Philippines has continued to operate in the region in recent years and has tried to encroach on the islands. At the same time,
There is also a Philippine tank landing ship No. 57** on Second Thomas Shoal, which the Philippines has been reinforcing and illegally transporting materials in an attempt to gain de facto control of the area.
This time, the Philippines not only intruded into the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Jiao without China's approval, but also deliberately rammed the Chinese coast guard boat, which was extremely provocative. The China Coast Guard has taken tough control measures against this. However,
There has been speculation about whether China will reclaim land from the islands. Land reclamation means expanding the islands, but such a move could have a complex set of consequences.
Land reclamation could change the landscape of the South China Sea and increase regional tensions. According to Taiwanese scholars, after land reclamation, China will form a de facto air defense identification zone in the middle of the South China Sea
This could trigger concerns and reactions from all parties in the region and beyond. In addition, the United States may take action to stop land reclamation, and may even resort to drastic military means. This will have a serious impact on regional security and stability
It could also trigger regional conflicts. However, the legal basis for China's land reclamation is sufficient, and the islands are already part of China's territory. Therefore, China has the right to reclaim land according to its own needs.
At the same time, China has always adhered to a foreign policy of peaceful development and is committed to resolving regional disputes through peaceful means. Therefore, China will continue to abide by international law and rules in handling the South China Sea issue and maintain regional peace and stability. In general, China has been consistent in its approach to the South China Sea and insists on safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Land reclamation will be decided in accordance with international law and rules, while also taking into account regional peace and stability. In the face of the complex regional situation, China will continue to unswervingly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, and is willing to work with other countries in the region to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.