Land grab limits?
Is there an internationally-accepted legal limit to the amount of land a country can 'make' by dredging/landfill?
Numerous countries with a shoreline do it but surely there must be a limit?
If you decide to dump a load of hardcore in the sea and make an island, which legal entity permits you to claim it - despite it being in international waters?
eg. What is to stop Singapore or Hong Kong from filling in more areas of their coastal waters?
If it is still with-in your original territorial maritime limits, then are those limits extended further to cater for the 'new' land - thereby reducing 'International' waters.
I guess if you are a big enough entity then you can do what you like, especially if your actions are tolerated/ignored by trading partners.
It is one thing to argue about perceived historical rights of once deserted islands but to make an island in the middle of nowhere for the purpose of extending your power base and aspirations can only lead to strife and does not bode well.
Cherry-picking only the convenient international conventions is a practice performed by countries if they are allowed.
After all, who is going to front-up to this particular bully?
Trump that.....