Satellite images received in April show that China is building up a South China Sea airstrip, which will allow the country to gain control of the travel through the vital waterways in the area. Pictures captured show workers dredging in the Spratly Islands region, which is also an area that other countries in the region, such as Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines, lay claim to.
According to US Navy officials, this effort would ultimately give China an effective method of controlling the South China Sea territory, giving the country the possibility of constructing military bases and infrastructure for radar detection; it will also permit China to create an air defense region for ships and planes.
At the moment, China claims about four-fifths of the South China Sea territory, home to some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, under a so-called nine-dash line drawn up in the 1940s. Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also claim territory in the waters, although China states that they have the right to travel and build in this area.
What The South China Sea Airstrip Would Mean For China
With China working in the South China Sea territory, officials in the US state believe travel within the area will become impeded; it could also be a way for the country to control the smaller nations. Any force they place there could potentially become bigger than all other South East Asia nations’ maritime and coast guard forces.
According to HIS Jane’s Defense Weekly, the satellite photos taken of the area show paved expanses and ground prep for an airstrip runway area in the northeastern region of the Fiery Cross Reef on Spratly Island. These areas are said to be large enough to support the China People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s equipment.
US Refreshing China Sea Area Alliances
Due to the Chinese building up their South China territory in this fashion, the US is refreshing its partnerships with various nations in the region such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. US officials state that this effort will reinforce the security of the area and assist the countries in defense.
The US State Department has state that China’s actions does not adhere with the area’s desire for peace or stability. However, China states that it is merely trying to put together a way to give aid, shelter, and other assistance to the ships that travel through the China Sea territory. In addition, the country wants to improve their search and rescue abilities, provide better weather forecasting, secure the local sea-lanes, and provide safety for fishermen.
China’s plans for the South China Sea Airstrip could affect travel within countries such as Malaysia, as depicted here:
