China is building islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea . The US has been pushing for a more robust response to China's actions and says it will continue to do so. The South China Sea is the subject of numerous rival -- often messy -- territorial claims , with China , Brunei , Malaysia , the Philippines , Taiwan and Vietnam disputing sovereignty of several island chains and nearby waters . China creating 'chain of air and sea capable fortresses '
China is building islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea . The US has been pushing for a more robust response to China's actions and says it will continue to do so. China creating 'chain of air and sea capable fortresses '