If memory serves there was a plan to invade the Azores in WW2 which would have been immensely ironic. After WW2 the US was gracefully handed over a few islands

If memory serves there was a plan to invade the Azores in WW2 which would have been immensely ironic. After WW2 the US was gracefully handed over a few islands to serve as aircraft bases. The Chinese still lack such soft power so they have to make their own islands.