Massive floating fortress planned on China's disputed waters, but what will they be used for?

Some speculate the new grounds will become a military base.

Floating fortresses are set for construction by two Chinese companies in an area of territorial dispute. Although the companies insist the plans were for a more commercialized and civilian engaging hub, but there are some that speculate the fortresses will serve for China's military advancement.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Floating platforms, that could extend miles long, are planned to cater needs of airstrips, docks, helipads, barracks or even "comprehensive security bases" above the ocean, explained one executive of the company, as cited from Sputnik News.

Feng Jun, chairman of Hainan Offshore Industry, the company in-charge of developing the technology for the construction, explained that they are just within the design and research phase. However, the technology planned is largely used in drilling for oil and gas on offshore sites, which raises speculations that the country is in pursuit of the underwater energy resources within the disputed water territories.

According to the Financial Times report, the companies stress it would be utilized for construction of shopping centers and installation of tourist destinations, but they noted the possibility of the to-be-constructed floating fortresses as a base for China's Navy.

An announcement of the project coincided with the on-going construction of man-made islands in South China Sea in the area of controversial territorial claims.

Noting that there are questions regarding the site of above-water construction, the website of the Hainan Offshore Industry states, "Under the increasingly complicated South China Sea situation, Hainan Offshore Industry adheres to the principle 'when the sovereignty of the state is challenged, time and tide wait for no man.'"

Yet, experts explain that the mere plans of construction can raise the tension within the territorial conflict.

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