Summary
China is upgrading its artificial island military bases in the South China Sea to strengthen control over the area. Satellite images show new facilities that enhance intelligence and defense capabilities on these islands, which face overlapping territorial claims from neighboring countries.
Key Facts
- China has increased military infrastructure on its artificial islands in the South China Sea.
- Satellite images show developments on three key islands: Fiery Cross Reef, Mischief Reef, and Subi Reef.
- These developments include facilities for electronic warfare and intelligence gathering.
- China continues to assert its claims over most of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling rejecting these claims.
- The United States regularly challenges China's claims by deploying warships for navigation operations.
- New radomes and weapons platforms have been added to the islands, increasing surveillance and defense capabilities.
- China opposes construction by other countries on disputed reefs and islands.
