Building island out of reef.

[BaNZ]

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/07/30/world/asia/what-china-has-been-building-in-the-south-china-sea-2016.html?_r=0

With the rate that China is destroying the reef island. How long do you think it would change the ecosystem and it might destroy some of the best surf spots in SE Asia?

[jaffa1949]

I think its main aim is geopolitical, I don't think a best surf spot has gone.
The environment will be changed and the nursery for small and young fish species will be gone.
Naval bases ( any brand navy ) are not noted for being sensitive to environmental issues.
I suspect the Mainland Chinese may be less so!

Some of the islands are also marine oil and gas fields which they do not want to go to other countries.
If you figure how many wars have been fought over resources or geopolitical boundaries, it doesn't look good there

[waikikikichan]

A lot of people living in Okinawa want the US military out. They should first ask the Filipinos how they feel now that China is building all around them. First they wanted the US out too.

[BaNZ]

I think it might be devastating to some places even though they are quite far out on the sea. Taiwan had many surf spot that was destroyed through sea reclamation or from building harbours. The current changes and the sand is lost.

A lot of people living in Okinawa want the US military out. They should first ask the Filipinos how they feel now that China is building all around them. First they wanted the US out too.

From what I hear in Taiwan is that the US military in Okinawa doesn't behave well. There are also reported rape crimes. I was in the Taiwan army camp for 3 weeks. It felt like prison, after 2 weeks your hormones goes through the roof when you see any ladies.

[icetime]

I'm more impressed by the size of the structure and the engineering behind building the island but not that surprised the china is back at it again destroying ecosystems, after all, look at the pollution in beijing and other cities

[oldmansurfer]

It may take off if China recognizes the value of a surf industry. Here is an interesting article about surf in China http://www.surfermag.com/features/will-china-become-surfing%E2%80%99s-next-frontier/#FxQoaZqOqsjEMAMF.97

[saltydog]

It may take off if China recognizes the value of a surf industry. Here is an interesting article about surf in China http://www.surfermag.com/features/will-china-become-surfing%E2%80%99s-next-frontier/#FxQoaZqOqsjEMAMF.97

Surf industry based purely on financial benefit and the consumers who only chase the appearance, both of which totally lack love and respect for nature... I rather hope it wouldn't take off.

[oldmansurfer]

It may take off if China recognizes the value of a surf industry. Here is an interesting article about surf in China http://www.surfermag.com/features/will-china-become-surfing%E2%80%99s-next-frontier/#FxQoaZqOqsjEMAMF.97

Surf industry based purely on financial benefit and the consumers who only chase the appearance, both of which totally lack love and respect for nature... I rather hope it wouldn't take off.

Yes. It seems switching from communism to capitalism is dangerous when the change isn't wanted by the people and instead is just a variation on communism where only the rich get benefit from the changes.

[jaffa1949]

Chinese Hodads, yahooooooooooooooo
Fashionistas rule?............

BTW my prejudice is based on people who surf because of fashion trends not anything else.