China backs the construction of military facilities on disputed islands

China has defended the construction of military facilities on the disputed islands in the South China Sea. This is the last episode of the endless escalation of tension between the country, the US and others in the region that claim ownership.

The Deputy Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, said that the military facilities, which currently include a landing strip » should not be linked to the efforts to militarize the islands and reefs.» Once again, the Chinese Government described the recent passing of a U.S. warship in the area as a «provocation.” China proposes to agree on a code of conduct that urges the countries of the region and beyond to avoid actions that increase tension. China claims the maritime area almost entirely and has built military facilities on some of its islands, rich in oil, gas and marine resources, which are being claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines and increasing tension in the region.