Chinese patrol ship Haixun 01 is pictured during a search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, in the south Indian Ocean April 5, 2014, in this photo courtesy of China News Service. Haixun 01 detected a pulse signal in the south Indian Ocean on
Chinese patrol ship Haixun 01 is pictured during a search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, in the south Indian Ocean April 5, 2014, in this photo courtesy of China News Service. Reuters/CNSphoto

China has made its mark in the South China Sea after completing an island-building spree. This has also shifted the strategic structure in the region, leading many to believe that China may soon, declare a South China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone or ADIZ in the region. The move has has prompted other countries to refocus their military priorities, including tightening ties with the United States.

A legislature report on China's military capabilities (via Focus Taiwan) revealed the ministry claiming China started its island-building initiative in the South China Sea in 2013. China extended the reclamation work to other reefs, paving construction for airport runways, seaport and other infrastructure facilities. The report added that China will be boosting militarisation of the area to declare ADIZ.

This may not be happening yet, but China's move has drawn conflicting claims from other countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The Philippines has already asked the U.S. for assistance to track activities in real time as well as provision of surveillance, reconnaissance assets and air cover.

Japan has requested its biggest military budget ever to counter China's reach. The nation requested a military budget amounting to 5.09 trillion yen (AU$59 billion) for the next fiscal year. Australia has also claimed on strengthening ties with the U.S. as South China Sea tensions can affect the country's interest. As if to further emphasise its military ambitions, China will also be parading its military might this Thursday as part of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

“What we’re seeing in the parade is the product of three decades of intense military investment: tanks, armoured personnel carriers, combat aircraft and missiles. All are the product of an intense military modernisation and buildup," the LA Times quoted Richard Fisher, a senior fellow at the Virginia-based International Assessment and Strategy Center.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES