We already own Willis Island (mini reef) which is outside our...

We already own Willis Island (mini reef) which is outside our coastal 200 naughtical mile coastal economic zone

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Reed

My point is that if the Chinese are allowed to develop/inhabit/militarise South China Sea artificial islands, then they have a reasonable case to continue this island building right down to the Coral Sea.

IMO, if we dont do it, then others including China and/or multinational oil & gas corporations will.