A senior security official from the Philippines said on Monday that China’s development and reclamation of disputed reefs in the South China Sea is part of Beijing’s plan to set up an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the region, reports the website of the Manila-based Philippine Star.

The official cited military research and sustained territorial monitoring, warning that China is close to gaining full control of the region from other claimants, which include Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

China will declare an ADIZ after the completion of the military facility development projects on Cuarteron Reef, Kennan Reef, Johnson South Reef and Gaven Reefs in the Spratlys, just as it did in the East China Sea, said the source.

According to aerial survey data, there are numerous construction activities on the reefs. Tourism facilities such as hotels or swimming pools are also being built to cater to Chinese tourists in the future.

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