China Is Building A Runway On Its Closest Island Outpost To Vietnam

[william]

Today, the South China Sea region is dotted with fortress-like and largely man-made outposts that have been established on different shoals and reefs, most of which were previously uninhabitable. This is in line with Beijing’s claims over almost the entire body of water as its sovereign national territory, something that the vast majority of the international community disputes. This has also, predictably, led to tensions with countries in the immediate region.
As it stands, the Paracels — which are known to China as the Xisha Islands — are effectively controlled by Beijing, but are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

Regardless of whatever the long-term plans for this new addition might be, bearing in mind the location of Triton Island, this significant further development of the infrastructure there is of great strategic significance.

China Is Building A Runway On Its Closest Island Outpost To Vietnam

Triton is the westernmost island in the South China Sea's strategic Paracel archipelago and added militarization of it has big implications.

www.thedrive.com

 

[krzepice1976]

#Vietnam opposes #China’s ship identification stations in Paracel Islands

Vietnam has opposed China for installing ship automatic identification stations in the Paracel Islands, calling it a violation of sovereignty.
"China's installation and operation of two ship automatic…

https://twitter.com/x/status/1706523018418372648

 

[Publius]

You know the idea of having these contested island military bases around the SCS really has little effect in a war.
There great for national military presence and peacetime refueling and extended air presence.

But in a war or pre-war scenario their only an appealing fixed point bullseye on a map. That dramatically limits the range and capabilities of the Chinese navy and Air Force.

It’s either a fatal flaw in their strategic military plans or glorious geopolitical bluff.