China completes first stage of work at disputed South China Sea reef, images show
China has completed the first phase of construction on Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago, building a man-made island in the hotly-disputed South China Sea that analysts say will form part of its largest military base.
China has finished the initial phase of building on Antelope Reef, a man-made island in the Paracels archipelago of the South China Sea. Satellite images reveal the island, which could serve as a significant military base, growing larger by the day. The construction, completed in six months, includes a helicopter pad, a 680-meter-long wharf, and a deep-water harbor.
Experts believe the island's strategic location in the northern part of the South China Sea will benefit China in any future conflict over Taiwan. China has not confirmed the base's purpose, but state media claim it will support civilian needs like weather forecasting and scientific research. Analysts predict that the island's completion will strengthen China's military hold on the northern part of the vital waterway, potentially complicating operations for the United States and Vietnam.
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- China completes first stage of work at disputed South China Sea reef freemalaysiatoday.com
