The main issue is that the US and other nations do not recognize a 12-mile limit applying to constructs...meaning man0-made improvements to shoals and reefs that were never islands to begin with.
In those cases, the limit has always been much lesss, like 1-3 miles or something.
The US is standing by that definition for these islands. The place in question is called Huangyan Island by the Chinese, but is Scarborough Shoal, which the Chinese used very massive and impressive land reclamation to improve, s they did several other islands in the area.
So...if the UK to Gibralter and utilized reclamation to extend it far enough across the strait there, could they effectively block off the Mediteranean?
The answer to that is clear and that is the position the US is taking towards these improvments.
Like I have said many times...if both sides do not do anything foolish...and sailing within five miles instead of 12 is not foolish IMHO, it is based on lang stnding and understoood international law...then netoher side is going to be able to change anything.
The Chinese effectively have strong bases in the south China s=Sea that are mutually supportive and now have airfields, sensors, wharfes, etc. and are not going to be moved off of those bases.
The US has a strong Navy with FON long standing international understanding and short of something foolish (like shooting at them), there i no cause for alarm because the ship sailing there does not change a thing.
China is wanting the world to change the recognition of those islands from constructs and improvements to being part of the continntal land mass that accords a 12 mile limit.
Perhaps in time, when 20 years have passed by and it is clear that what they have done is permanenet as far as the geology is concerned...things will change and be redefined.
That would be the best course to take IMHO. Be patient and let time cure the ill.
