In a remarkable public speech at ASPI’s Future Surface Fleet conference last month, the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet—Admiral Harry B. Harris—criticized China for engaging in an “unprecedented land reclamation” effort, creating a “great wall of sand” in the South China Sea (SCS). He went on to point out:
“When one looks at China’s pattern of provocative actions towards smaller claimant states – the lack of clarity on its sweeping nine-dash line claim that is inconsistent with international law and the deep asymmetry between China’s capabilities and those of its smaller neighbors – well it’s no surprise that the scope and pace of building man-made islands raise serious questions about Chinese intentions.”
As usual, China’s government had a different understanding of the augmentation of large features in the Fiery Cross Reef and seven other such locations. For instance, Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared in early March that Beijing was only “carrying out necessary construction on its own islands and reefs.” He insisted the measures did “not target or affect anyone,” and that China sought to “bring harmony, stability and prosperity to the neighborhood.”
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