<span style="color: #222222;">China on Wednesday said it may further fortify its man-made islands in the South China Sea depending on threats faced by the outposts. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">A Chinese naval official today said that China has the legal right to take whatever measures it deems appropriate on the islands in the South China Sea. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">China claims the sea in its entirety. It has built seven islands by piling sand and cement on coral reefs, and equipping some with airfields.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> The US accuses China of failing to fulfil a 2015 pledge not to expand development in the area. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">China, on the other hand, says the development primarily serves civilian purposes.</span><br />''