China has been planning to construct a man-made island in South China Sea to be able to compete against rivals Philippines and Vietnam over the disputed Spratly Islands.

The plan was unveiled by Global Times tabloid last May 25. The report from China's nationalistic tabloid said an artificial island will be constructed by China Shipbuilding Ninth Design and Research Institute Engineering.

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The plan for the man-made island was also reported to be constructed around the Johnson South Reef, which is a part of Spratly's under the administration of China.

Beijing emphasized sovereignty over the reef called Chigua Reef in China.

A total of six small islands were already claimed around the vicinity on March 14, 1988, after a naval battle between the Chinese and Vietnamese forces. During this time, 70 Vietnamese sailors died.

The Global Times also reported that military facilities will be constructed on the man-made island. Facilities including a naval port and an airbase would also be included.

Beijing reiterated that the artificial island would be used to increase the immediate reaction of Chinese warships and maritime security if ever an incident would take place in the area.

On the other hand, the artificial island would also become a channel in supplying Chinese fishing vessels operating in the disputed territory in the South China Sea.

It would also have a hostel, a sport field, an office building and a farm might also be constructed.

The construction plans of the artificial island near the Johnson South Reef vicinity have attracted the attention of the Philippines and Vietnam.

Manila has openly criticized the move reportedly planned by Beijing while Hanoi decided to take the matter to the International Court of Justice.

China's foreign ministry representative, Hua Chunying, said during a press conference on May 15, that Beijing has the jurisdiction to construct over the Johnson South Reef without interference from any foreign country as it is a territory of China.

However, China Shipbuilding NDRI Engineering has removed the plans of constructing an artificial island in the area posted on its website.

TagsJohnson South Reef, Spratlys Island, Vietnam