China is building an island on a reef in the disputed sprat islands large enough to accommodate what could be its first offshore airstrip in the South China Sea. The construction has stoked concern that China may be converting disputed territory in the mineral-rich archipelago into military installations, adding to tensions in waters also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei.
Link [www.smh.com.au/world/china-building-south-china-sea-island-big-enough-for-airstrip-says-ihs-janes-20141122-11rrku.html]