Images Expose China’s Island Base That Xi Said Would Never Happen
Summary
China has built a new military base on Antelope Reef in the disputed South China Sea, transforming a once underwater reef into a fully developed island with docks, buildings, and military facilities. This construction was done over eight months and monitored by U.S. satellites, escalating China’s presence in a region also claimed by Vietnam.Key Facts
- China completed building foundations for a military base on Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands.
- The base was constructed in about eight months using dredgers that pumped material to create solid land.
- Satellite images show a deep water port, administrative buildings, housing, vehicles, and a helipad on the island.
- China plans to build a long airstrip, radars, missile systems, barracks, and hangars at the site.
- The Paracel Islands are claimed by both China and Vietnam and have been disputed since a 1974 battle.
- The UN Law of the Sea does not recognize artificial islands as generating territorial rights, but China claims sovereignty over the reefs.
- Construction intensified after President Donald Trump’s return to office, with little pushback from the U.S. so far.
- Chinese leader Xi Jinping is expected to visit the U.S. soon, during which China may continue strengthening its position in the South China Sea.
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