A remote archipelago in the South China Sea has come under an extraordinary amount of scrutiny lately. Here, China is building up small reefs and atolls into whole artificial islands — all in hotly disputed territory. In the clearest sign yet of its military intentions, one of those islands now has an airstrip.
Satellite images taken on March 23 and first published by IHS Jane show the evolution of Fiery Cross Reef, one of the many blips that make up the Spratly Islands. Just a few months ago, Fiery Cross Reef was, true to its name, a submerged reef just barely poking above the water. Since then, dredging has turned it into an artificial island. It is now has a harbour and and a runway in progress.
The 3km runway would be long enough for fighter jets and spy planes, according to the New York Times, which calls it a “game changer”. Once China has air control of the South China Sea, it will be much have a lot more power in the region.
This all matters because at least five countries lay claim to various parts of the South China. The disputed waters hold valuable shipping routes and huge oil and gas reserves. China has been eager to exert its dominance by building up multiple reefs into islands to bolster its claim. And now that it’s clearly readying it’s military. [IHS Jane, New York Times]
Pictures: CNES 2015, Distribution Airbus DS / Spot Image / IHS