In the past, China’s presence in the disputed South China Sea waters was based on what it says are historical claims to the area. Now, China is shifting its narrative from a so-called regional military “reclamation” effort based on sovereignty claims to one that boasts humanitarian contributions for the region.
Despite international criticism, China has unabashedly forged ahead with its plans to “reclaim” areas of the waters disputed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia, dredging up materials to establish man-made islands as outposts for the Chinese navy.