My understanding is that the Spratly Islands base China has built is not something that can actually sustain a population trying to live traditionally. They've

My understanding is that the Spratly Islands base China has built is not something that can actually sustain a population trying to live traditionally. They've destroyed the reefs and encircled the dredged area with a sea wall that prevents normal sand beaches from existing. While the terraformed island would be above water, you wouldn't have the kind of ecosystem that is viable or productive.