China builds artificial islands in the South China Sea

China has rapidly transformed parts of the South China Sea into artificial islands over the past 12 years, creating military strongholds. These islands, built by dredging sand and constructing concrete structures, now feature airstrips, radar towers, and military facilities, covering an area equivalent to 1,600 football fields. This land reclamation project, despite international rulings against it, has raised concerns among neighboring countries over trade routes and environmental damage to coral reefs.