China expanding 'artificial islands building' in South China Sea, claims U.S

U.S. Government officials have reportedly expressed concern over China's expansionist designs through the construction of artificial islands in the disputed South China area.

The BBC reports that China has reclaimed 810 hectares (2,000 acres) of land in the disputed sea since the beginning of 2014.

While China claims that this construction activity is necessary to preserve its sovereignty, other countries have accused Beijing of illegally seizing the land in order to construct artificial islands potentially for military purpose.

The Pentagon has stated in a report that although the ultimate purpose of the expansionist projects remains unclear, the possibility that China is attempting to change facts on the ground by improving its defence infrastructure in the disputed sea exists.