China Raises Tensions In The South China Seas

China took full control of Paracel Islands, also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan, after a 1974 naval showdown [Reuters]

China’s Newest City Raises Threat of Conflict in South China Sea -- Austin Ramzy, Time

China has declared its establishment of a municipal settlement on a disputed island chain in the South China Sea. The move, combined with an earlier announcement about the islands' militarization, further raises tensions in this geopolitical hot spot

Sansha, China’s newest city, would seem to be a paradise. It has tropical waters, about 2 million sq km and just 3,500 permanent residents on 13 sq km of palm-covered islands. There’s an airstrip but no airlines yet, so transportation is still largely relegated to a 17-hour boat trip. But perhaps the biggest drawback is that it sits in the South China Sea, where rival territorial claims have intensified in recent months. On Tuesday, Sansha established a prefecture-level municipal government, and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) says it will soon establish a military garrison there. Sansha is the tiniest city of its kind in China, but it is having an outsize impact on the country’s increasingly tense territorial disputes with some of its Southeast Asian neighbors.

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More News On Territorial Tensions In The South China Sea

Armed conflict possible in South China Sea: ICG -- AFP
Chinese army for disputed islands -- Sydney Morning Herald
China to establish South China Sea garrison -- Al Jazeera
Tiny island, big reach: China aims to strengthen control over South China Sea with new city -- Washington Post
China Sends Troops to Disputed Islands -- New York Times
China raises flag above controversial city -- UPI
China declares new city to assert control over South China Sea -- The telegraph
China plays cards close to chest in military transparency bid -- Reuters
Nations at Impasse Over South China Sea, Group Warns -- New York Times
South China Sea Dispute at 'Impasse,' Report Says -- Voice of America
Vietnam,Philippines Slam Garrison Plans -- China Digital Times
Vietnam, Philippines slam China's Sea garrison plan -- AFP
Manila opts for diplomacy in dispute with China -- Australia Network News
McCain warns China over move on dispute islands -- AFP