Australian intelligence agencies voice concerns that China is poised to take “decisive and provocative action” in West Philippine Sea in advance of the ruling by the Arbitral Tribunal at the Permanent Count of Arbitration in The Hague.
These sources report that China may dynamite Scarborough Shoal to build an artificial island to house military facilities.
According to Bonnie Glaser of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, “A base at Scarborough would have enormous strategic significance for China, especially in combination with the other facilities they have built on Mischief Reef and Fiery Cross. The Chinese will be able to extend control over larger swaths of air space and water.” Glaser believes “that the Chinese intend to dredge at the shoal and build another base.”
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