Chinese land reclamation projects prompt US warnings

According to the report the land reclamation at Fiery Cross is the fourth such project undertaken by China in the Spratly Islands. Photo / AFP

China is building a massive island in the South China Sea that could host an airfield in an area where Beijing is locked in territorial disputes with neighbouring states, a US military spokesman says.

The vast land reclamation project on the Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands is one of several pursued by China but the first that could accommodate an airstrip, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Pool said.

A harbour also has been dug out on the east side of the reef that appears large enough for tankers and naval warships.

The US wants China to halt the project and for other governments to cease similar efforts. "We urge China to stop its land reclamation programme, and engage in diplomatic initiatives to encourage all sides to restrain themselves in these sorts of activities," Pool said.

In the past three months, China has constructed an island about 3km long and 200-300 metres wide on the reef, according to a report by IHS Jane's Defence.

The results of the dredging can be seen in satellite pictures from between August 8 and November 14.

"The land reclamation at Fiery Cross is the fourth such project undertaken by China in the Spratly Islands in the last 12-18 months and by far the largest," the report said.

Before the latest dredging work, the Chinese navy had used a concrete platform and no artificial island had been created.

China has already built islands at Johnson South Reef, Cuarteron Reef and Gaven Reefs.

Beijing claims nearly all of the resource-rich South China Sea, and Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have asserted claims by building structures on reefs or occupying islands.

The other Southeast Asian countries already had airfields in the area and China's latest efforts could put it in a stronger position as Beijing pursues its claims.

IHS Jane's said the move appeared aimed to provide China a stronger negotiating position should talks take place over the dispute.

- AAP