Correct.
A REAL claim.
One they intend to enforce with force of arms.
Oh, to have a president with a set.
If building an island in the middle of the ocean establishes a claim to waters, lets dredge one up too.
The answer is to let them enjoy their island, and never recognize the claim to the adjacent waters. Sail around it, and fly above it anytime you please.
Basically announce that we will treat is as no more than a Chinese ship. In fact, we should communicate with the islands exactly as though they WERE a ship.
Chicoms, like all bullies, are wussies when they find resistance. The Philippines not too long ago was capturing Chinese fishing vessels violating their waters and blowing them up. Chicoms didn’t do squat.