China appears to be constructing an airstrip on a disputed South China Sea island that is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan, according to satellite photos analysed by The Associated Press. The work on Triton island in the Paracel group mirrors construction on seven human-made islands in the Spratly group to the east which have been equipped with airstrips, docks and military systems, although it currently appears to be somewhat more modest in scale.
China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its own, denying the claims of others and defying an international ruling invalidating its assertion.Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analysed by the AP show construction on the airstrip first visible in early August. The runway, as currently laid out, would be more than 600 metres (2,000 feet) in length, long enough to accommodate turboprop aircraft and drones, but not fighter jets or bombers. Also visible are large numbers of vehicle tracks running across much of the island, along with what appear to be containers and construction equipment.
Triton is one of the major islands in the Paracel group, which is roughly equidistant from the coast of Vietnam and China’s island province of Hainan.
Triton Island History
• US Involvement: Conducts “freedom of navigation operations” near Chinese-held islands; doesn’t take stance on sovereignty.
• China’s Development: Structures on Triton include a harbor, buildings, helipad, radar arrays.
• Symbolism: Island’s fields sport Chinese flag and Communist Party symbols.
• China’s Justification: Claims island development enhances global navigation safety; denies militarization accusations.
• Strategic Waterway: South China Sea passage handles $5 trillion in annual trade.
• Historical Conflict: China gained full control of the Paracels from Vietnam in a 1974 naval conflict.
