China has the "right and ability" to seize islands in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) occupied by other countries, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Tuesday, ahead of regional summits expected to discuss the contested waters. Beijing claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has sought to reinforce its position by rapidly constructing artificial islands capable of hosting military facilities. Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan also have competing claims on the disputed islands.

'China has right to seize islands'. (2015, November 18). The Manila Times, pp. A1, A8.