China's expansion in the disputed South China Sea has recently been highlighted in the international media with several countries including Malaysia coming into increasing contact with Chinese vessels intruding into their waters. China's other activities in that maritime region include significant land reclamation and the building of military outposts. This has prompted reactions from South East Asian nations, and global players like the United States. We explore China's historical motivations for their maritime expansion, their dealings with ASEAN nations involved in the dispute, and Beijing's possible end game as the Asian giant confronts US intervention in its own backyard.

This is a report by Jason Lim.

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Tags:  south china sea,  territorial claim and disputes,  asean,  philippines,  beijing,  assertive,  reclamation works,  spratly islands,  military airstrips