China on Monday said it will take “necessary action” to uphold sovereignty in the disputed South China Sea amid reports that it may start a land reclamation project at a contentious shoal to oppose the US-Philippine military alliance in the strategically vital waters.
Hong Kong based South China Morning Post quoted Chinese military sources as saying that China will start reclamation at the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea later this year and may add an airstrip to extend its air force’s reach.
The PlA Navy said Beijing would ramp up work to establish a new outpost 230km off the coast of the Philippines as the US and Manila drew their militaries closer together, the report said.
“I haven’t heard about what you mentioned”, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying told a media briefing here today when asked about a report that it will start reclamation at the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea later this year and may add an airstrip to extend its air force’s reach over the contested waters.