You're correct, but it's a bit of a moot point because nobody can fish in these areas without being harassed by Chinese military.

They dont need islands to do that.

Conveniently placed supply bases sure help

It's a twisted sense of appreciation, but I appreciate the likes of China and Russia for calling the west's bluffs and proving time and time again that all those nice words written on stacks of paper are just stacks of paper.

The problem for the managerial class is ultimately that all their power comes from the power structure and having other people do as they say and enforce their papers. Ancient greeks were trained as warriors, and would defeat slave uprisings by their very own hands. Todays rulers can't carry their own bag.

"John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it." -Andrew Jackson

Sometimes the words get backed up. Russia is finding ignoring the bits of paper agreeing Ukraines borders is not quite as easy as they thought.

Did Russia call the West’s bluff? Because it seems like they’ve found themselves in a war far worse than Vietnam with far worse prospects. If anything I would think that Russia did not expect the degree of support and coordination the US would be willing to provide.

Similarly Biden has said that US troops would defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion. I don’t think that’s a bluff. Do you?

Well yes, but China claims that their development of the islands makes them sufficiently substantial. They've built airports, military bases, ports and entire developments. Check out the 'before and after' photos. [1]

Frankly, I think their claim may just get upheld in due course. To be clear I think it's shameful and an environmental catastrophe, but I've no doubt they will invest as much time and effort as deemed necessary to make these substantial islands.

[1] https://www.marketwatch.com/story/chinas-artificial-islands-...

> The reef itself was only 7.2 square kilometers; it has been expanded to add another 100,000 square meters.

This sounds as though the author doesn't know that 100,000 square metres = 0.1 square kilometres.

Agreed, as peer pointed out that's bad journalism. It's also old (a 2016 write-up). I imagine it's evolved a lot since.

Haha, journalists are really something else

> The reef itself was only 7.2 square kilometers; it has been expanded to add another 100,000 square meters.

So they took a 7.2 km^2 thing and made it 7.3 km^2?

Cool photos by the way. Thank you for sharing link.