Grab what you can while you can: The new reality in the South China Sea
China is rapidly expanding its territorial footprint in the South China Sea by dredging submerged reefs to create artificial islands, including a new project at Antelope Reef. In response to China's dominance, Vietnam and other regional claimants have begun their own large-scale land reclamation efforts to solidify their territorial positions.
Why it matters
The rapid militarization and land reclamation in the South China Sea increase the risk of regional conflict and threaten the stability of one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jonathan Head , South East Asia correspondent in Bangkok, Bangkok and Thuong Le Getty Images A satellite image of Antelope Reef in the South China Sea Antelope Reef is a small, teardrop-shaped island in the north-western corner of the South China Sea and, until recently, almost entirely underwater.
The article provides a factual, geopolitical analysis of regional tensions, acknowledging actions taken by both China and Vietnam without adopting a partisan stance.
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