As we have recently discussed in class, the Chinese, Philippines and Vietnamese have been creating unusual settlements on small islands throughout the South China Sea to help strengthen their government's territorial claims. However, it has been creating high tensions between the countries.
China has recently created an island on a shallow reef in the South China Sea where in oil rig waters. Conveniently, its located in an area already claimed by vietnam. This incident has caused anti-chinese riots in Vietnam and damaged the bilateral relationship.
The Philippines has reacted by also creating a chain of communities on small islands throughout the South China Sea. They believe it was ultimately the best way for the Philippines to defend its economic interests. Since Vietnam and China have been constructing these projects, it is essential for them to build now-and fast.
In addition, many of these islands are unable to grow food due to the sandy soil. Therefore many of the islands rely on freighters to transport food and medicine to them. Some of the islands even have schools, health clinics and post office's on them. Innovations of solar panels and Internet has been added to the islands to make life a little easier. Recently China has even promoted Telecom's recent rollout of 3G mobile internet in parts of the islands. Since some of the islands do not create revenue, only territory strength, it is costly for them to operate.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB30001424052702303480304579576380113652304?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB30001424052702303480304579576380113652304.html
-Jackie Bland
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