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    Hm. Perhaps I should ask this on History SE instead, as this is not what I'm asking about at all. I'll try to edit the question to make it clearer. Commented Jul 14, 2016 at 20:36
  • @DCShannon: The islands are the justification for claiming the sea area, and the links provide detailed access to China's arguments. This answers your question as asked. If you're asking a significantly different question, please ask a new one. Commented Jul 14, 2016 at 20:37
  • Like I said, I'll try to edit the question to make it clearer. I'm asking about their historical claim. The islands are a recent development. They didn't make a claim after building the islands, they felt they could build the islands because they already had a claim. Commented Jul 14, 2016 at 20:38
  • I think you should ask a new question then. If it's about a historical claim, and you won't be satisfied by recognizing countries' wishes to increase their territory and power, maybe History.SE would be a better place for that question? China believed they had the resources to build and defend the islands, and saw how much they could stand to benefit from doing so...perceived benefits exceeded perceived costs. Commented Jul 14, 2016 at 20:39
  • @DCShannon The lawfare around control of the China Sea is extensively complex. Commented Jul 14, 2016 at 20:42