China has reclaimed more than 3,200 acres of land in the South China Sea in the last two years. A new US Defence department report says, the Asian giant is expected to add substantial military infrastructure, including surveillance systems, to the artificial islands in the Sea, this year.
It also says, China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases to enhance its presence in the South China Sea significantly.
The report comes at a time of heightened tension over maritime territories claimed by China and disputed by several Asian nations.
Washington has accused Beijing of militarizing the South China Sea while Beijing, in turn, has criticized increased U.S. naval patrols and exercises in Asia.