Really?
"No, basically, it is the physical structures that are claimed as well as their particular EEZ. He just did not mention that (China repeatedly said that) natural resources can be explored jointly or various agreements can be signed."-TaiShang.
I'm joking about making so many islands made by China that is could cover all of SCS, but I know the importance of what islands can do especially establishing EEZs even a few of them strategically placed.
Good, you have a sense of humor.
But, seriously, it is not the entire water, but just the physical features above the water that are claimed and built.
In terms of island building, China is in fact a late comer. Filippinos and Vietnamese started much earlier. Just as with the ADIZ thing. China has started doing what others have been doing for decades.
But, given its industrial capabilities and technological advancement, once on it, China's island development is explosive and catching a lot of headlines. But, once the reality sinks deep enough, people will get used to the new normal. Reactions are anticipated and mediocre for us.
I'm joking about making so many islands made by China that is could cover all of SCS, but I know the importance of what islands can do especially establishing EEZs even a few of them strategically placed.
Indeed. To have a strategic control over the SCS, you really do not need to own the entire sea. So, claiming the entire water does not make sense, to begin with. Besides, what is more important than the fisheries and resources is freedom of navigation, which is important for China as the largest trading nation on the face of the Earth.
What is important is capacity and capability-building. It does not mean you would use them right away. The capabilities can be mobilized only in times of crises. I guess, as a great power, US, at least in the past, was not foreign to the idea.