China finishes first phase of construction at South China Sea reef, images show
The project, on Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago, involves building a man-made island analysts say will form part of China's largest military base.
China has officially completed the initial stage of building an artificial island on Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago, situated in the South China Sea. The project, which has been under construction for at least six months, involves the creation of a sizable artificial structure that analysts believe will serve as part of China's most extensive military installation in the region.
Satellite imagery has recently revealed the outline of the newly reclaimed landmass, marking the conclusion of the first phase of the ambitious endeavor. The completion of this project signals an escalating militarization of the South China Sea, a body of water that has become a focal point of competition between China and the United States, along with their respective allies.
Both nations are striving to gain a strategic advantage that could be pivotal in any future conflict over Taiwan, highlighting the heightened tensions in the region.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
