China is rapidly building a new large artificial island in the South China Sea
China is rapidly building a new artificial island on Antelope Reef, within the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, which could mark a continuation of its campaign to build large maritime outposts after a multi-year pause.
TL;DR
- China is rapidly building a new artificial island on Antelope Reef in the South China Sea.
- Satellite imagery and analysis show significant acceleration of land reclamation and expansion work since last autumn.
- The new island could become one of China's largest outposts in the South China Sea, potentially including a runway.
- Infrastructure is being developed for radar systems, electronic reconnaissance, defense systems, and increased naval presence.
- Antelope Reef is part of the Paracel Islands, claimed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, and is currently under Chinese control.
- Vietnam has protested the activities, calling them illegal, while China asserts its sovereignty and claims the work is for 'improving living and working conditions'.
- This development follows a period where China was thought to have largely completed its most intensive phase of artificial island construction.