China Constructs New Airstrip on Contested Island, Raising Tensions in South China Sea
Satellite images have revealed that China is building a new airstrip on Triton Island in the South China Sea, an island also claimed by Vietnam and Taipei. This move by Beijing has further heightened tensions in the already-disputed region. Triton Island, located in the Paracel Islands, is considered to be the southernmost and westernmost island in the archipelago. Both Vietnam and Taipei assert their rights to these islands.
China has a history of fortifying and building military facilities on disputed islands and even artificial islands within the South China Sea, using them to assert their sovereignty. Notably, China has constructed runways on Fiery Cross Reef and Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands. These military installations have been criticized by rival claimants and Western nations, who accuse Beijing of militarizing the contested waters.
Satellite imagery shows that the new runway on Triton Island stretches approximately 630 meters (2,067 feet) from east to west across the island. However, this runway is significantly shorter than others built by China on contested islands, thus limiting the size of warplanes that can use it effectively. For instance, the runway on Fiery Cross Reef is more than 3 kilometers long, potentially enabling China’s H-6 bombers to land and take off.
In addition to the new airstrip, China has also established various other facilities on Triton Island, including a helipad, buildings, radomes, a basketball court, and a port to support its navy. Chinese state media reports have depicted naval training activities and agricultural endeavors being conducted on the island.
Triton Island, compared to other rocks in the Paracel Islands, is relatively small. Nonetheless, the waters surrounding the archipelago are abundant in resources, making them commercially significant. No comments have been provided by the foreign ministries of Vietnam and China regarding these new developments.
The South China Sea has been a contentious area for China and Vietnam, resulting in multiple clashes over conflicting territorial claims. Just a few months ago, Vietnam accused a Chinese survey ship and its coastguard escorts of violating its sovereignty. Vietnamese fishermen have long complained about harassment and damage inflicted by the Chinese coastguard on their vessels.
As tensions continue to escalate due to China’s actions in the South China Sea, the international community remains watchful. The construction of a new airstrip on Triton Island highlights the ongoing territorial disputes in the region.
