Reclamations ‘may undermine peace’

LANGKAWI, Malaysia: Reclamation works in the disputed South China Sea, where China has constructed an airstrip and other structures on coral reefs, threaten to “undermine peace, security and stability” in the region, Southeast Asian leaders warned on Monday.

Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty over almost all the sea--also claimed in parts by several other Asian nations--has set off alarm bells with its neighbors and beyond as China stakes its claim with growing boldness.