Aerial Views Of China's Artificial Islands In The South China Sea

SPRATLY ISLANDS, AT SEA - OCTOBER 25: In an aerial view, buildings and structures stand on the artificial island built by China in Cuarteron Reef on October 25, 2022 in Spratly Islands, South China Sea. China has progressively asserted its claim of ownership over disputed islands in the South China Sea by artificially increasing the size of islands, creating new islands and building ports, military outposts and airstrips. The South China sea is an important trade route and is of significant interest as geopolitical tensions remain high in the region. (Footage by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)