China's Island Factory

Summary

September 9, 2014: In order to enforce its claims on vast swathes of the South Chinese Sea, China is building whole new islands there in shallow reef regions and fortifying them. This puts China in conflict with its regional neighbors which also claim the area, especially the Philippines and Vietnam - as well as the United States, who has entered naval partnerships with these countries.

See Also

• News: Squatters in paradise say it's job from hell

Source

Bibliography

1. Original article

Game and Story Use

• Any world where the oceans count as "unclaimed territory" could have similar schemes to expand the reach of a particular nation. While modern and science fiction settings have it easiest with island construction, magic in fantasy settings could achieve similarly impressive feats.
  • Of course, in fantasy settings ocean territory might be inhabited by aquatic species who will likely object to such "land grabs".