New installations emerge on islet as China accelerates South China Sea build-up

New installations have been spotted on an islet near Antelope Reef in the disputed South China Sea, according to satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters. Security analysts suggest that the three-pronged construction on Yagong Island could be the beginning of an early warning radar facility to support future installations on Antelope Reef.

While the specific purpose of the buildings remains uncertain, some structures on Yagong Reef resemble military radar/early warning installations found elsewhere in the South China Sea. This development adds to the growing militarization of the region between China and the United States and its allies, with Antelope Reef becoming a potential focal point in any future conflict over Taiwan.

An artificial island nearly 6 km long, with a coastline extending more than 3 km longer than one found on Yagong, is already under construction at Antelope Reef. The Chinese Defense Ministry has not commented on the new installations, and state media claim that Antelope will primarily serve civilian purposes, such as weather forecasting, fisheries protection, and scientific research.

China has been occupying the Paracels since 1974. Vietnam, which claims the entire grouping, has been expanding its own network of bases in the Spratlys to the south. Both the Spratlys and the Paracels are claimed in whole or in part by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. Experts suggest that the construction of these features may reinforce China's military presence in the northern part of the vital trade waterway.