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

New installations have been detected on Yagong Island, a small islet near Antelope Reef in the South China Sea, according to satellite imagery analyzed by Reuters. Located within the Paracels archipelago, Yagong Island measures 14km northeast of Antelope Reef, which China has been constructing into a potentially massive military base.

Three-pronged structures were seen on Yagong Island, taken on August 17, with construction beginning in March and April, according to satellite provider Vantor. While the exact purpose of the buildings remains unclear, several resemble military radar and early warning facilities found elsewhere in the South China Sea, suggesting their possible association with the larger military functions at Antelope Reef.

Reuters reported earlier this week that China had completed the first phase of construction at Antelope Reef, which includes an artificial island nearly 6km long with a 3km straight coastline, possibly serving as a runway. Despite China's denial of the new military base, state media claim Antelope will serve civilian purposes like weather forecasting, fisheries protection, and scientific research.

Vietnam, which claims the entire archipelago, has been expanding its own network of bases in the nearby Spratlys. The South China Sea, particularly the Paracels and Spratlys, is a hotbed of territorial disputes involving China, the United States, and its allies, as well as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. Analysts suggest this construction could bolster China's military presence in the vital trade waterway, potentially intensifying regional tensions.