Key facts
- New installations have been sighted on Yagong Island in the disputed South China Sea.
- Analysts believe the construction could be part of China's largest military base build-up.
- The installations may serve as an early warning radar facility.
- Construction on Yagong Island started between March and April.
- China previously completed the first phase of construction at Antelope Reef, which includes a feature resembling a potential runway.
New installations have been observed on Yagong Island, located near Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago of the disputed South China Sea. Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters indicates that construction began in March or April, with the latest images taken on August 17. Security analysts suggest these structures could be the initial phase of an early warning radar facility, potentially supporting future installations on Antelope Reef, which itself features an artificial island with a coastline longer than 3 km that some analysts believe could serve as a runway.
China has occupied the Paracels since 1974. While the Chinese defense ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment, state media have previously stated that Antelope Reef would serve civilian needs. Regional security analysts and military attaches believe the construction aims to strengthen China's military presence in the strategically vital trade waterway. Collin Koh, a Singapore-based security scholar, speculated that the installation is most likely a radar station, while open-source intelligence tracker Damien Symon noted it is too early to make a definitive assessment but acknowledged a radar facility is possible.
The South China Sea has become an increasingly militarized area, particularly concerning potential future conflicts over Taiwan. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei also claim parts or all of the Spratlys and nearby waters.