China's series of man-made islands in the South China Sea might be small but have the potential to escalate the tension between China and the US to explosive levels.
A recent flyover by a US spy plane has pushed up the rhetoric.
China's foreign-ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, voiced her displeasure. "The US military aircraft's spying on China's islands could easily be misunderstood and was very dangerous and irresponsible," she said. "China firmly opposes the US provocation and has already lodged solemn representations to the US government."
Even stronger words have come from the nationalist Global Times, owned by the ruling Communist Party.
It warned war was inevitable unless the United States backed down.
The dispute was prompted by an incident between the Chinese military and a US spy plane.
The plane flew over three islands that months ago were reefs. Now they are construction projects.
In just two years, China has expanded these islands by 2,000 acres. On them, such structures as military barracks, a lookout tower and a runway.
The Chinese military sent this warning to the US survelliance plane: "Foreign military aircraft, this is the Chinese Navy. You are approaching our military-alert zone. Leave immediately."
The US pilots' reply was blunt in insisting it is international airspace.
China claimed most of the South China Sea but the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.
Philippines defence secretary Voltaire Gazmin also expressed concern over the expansion. "China is trying to take control of the airspace and turn it into a military zone," he said. "They have not formally taken this action but are moving in that direction. It is a cause for concern."
The United States wanted all parties to halt reclamation in the Spratly Islands.
Japan was set to join US and Australian troops in war-games exercises in coming months.
All three nations had expressed concern about freedom of movement in the disputed area.
Lowy Institute international security expert Euan Graham said it was a vital shipping corridor. "Over 60 per cent of Australia's trade passes through the South China Sea so, although it is some way away, economics shrinks strategy in Canberra."
With all sides holding their ground military experts warn that a lethal confrontation over the South China sea is likely.
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