South China Sea reclamation worries Asean

WORK HAS TRIGGERED FEARS OF TIGHTER CHINESE CONTROL OVER THE WATERWAY

Reclamation work in the disputed South China Sea, where China has constructed an airstrip and other structures on coral reefs, threaten to “undermine peace, security and stability” in the region, Southeast Asian leaders warned yesterday.

Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty over almost all the sea — also claimed in parts by several other Asian nations — has set off alarm bells with its neighbours and beyond as China stakes its claim with growing boldness.

A statement to be issued at the close of the one-day summit in Malaysia notes “serious concerns” over land reclamation on reefs whose sovereignty is contested. The work has triggered fears of tightening Chinese control over the seaway.

“We share the serious concerns expressed by some leaders on the land reclamation being undertaken in the South China Sea, which has eroded trust and confidence and may undermine peace, security and stability,” said the statement by summit chair Malaysia, seen by AFP, which did not mention China by name.

Along with Taiwan, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member-states Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei claim parts of the sea, which is rich in energy reserves and fishery resources, and is a vital conduit for much of world trade.

Satellite photos released earlier this month provided fresh evidence of the scale of the Chinese programme, depicting a flotilla of vessels dredging sand onto a feature known as Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands.

Other photos showed a runway and ship harbour taking shape on Fiery Cross, also in the Spratlys, which was little more than a reef when work began late last year.

Similar work is taking place at a handful of other sites, according to defence analysts, who say the construction drive will give China a permanent forward presence far out at sea from which to project its growing power.

Dialogue mechanisms

The closing statement by Malaysia — which holds the rotating chair of 10-member Asean this year — instructs the region’s foreign ministers to “urgently address this matter” under dialogue mechanisms set up between the bloc and China.

But it stopped just short of a call by the Philippine foreign secretary, who on Sunday challenged Asean to “finally stand up” to Beijing by demanding an immediate halt to the reclamation.

Albert del Rosario had warned his regional peers in Kuala Lumpur that China was “poised to consolidate de facto control” of the sea.