The Chinese built artificial islands in the South China Sea to
A. show its advancements in technology,
B. exert military influence.
C. promote trade through new ports.
D. put pressure on Taiwan.
The main purpose of China's artificial islands is not to help fight a war against the United States. Beijing's primary strategy in the South China Sea is to use civilian and paramilitary pressure to coerce its Southeast Asian neighbors into abandoning their rights.
