China’s construction boom in the Spratlys

What’s changed as a result of China’s massive construction projects in the Spratly islands? Legally – nothing – but strategically – we wait and see. All the features that the PRC occupies in the Spratlys would be naturally underwater at high tide, so building on them, doesn’t mean they will count as ‘territory’ under international law. However, if the massive dredging and land formation work ends up creating an airbase in the southern South China Sea, the military position will shift in China’s favour. An interview for BBC World News here…