China is going to build an airstrip on a disputed island in the South China Sea, which is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan, the Associated Press reports based on satellite images.
The works on Triton Island, in the Paracel Archipelago, replicate those on seven artificial islands, further east in the Spratly Archipelago, which were equipped with airstrips, docks and military systems.
China claims virtually all of the South China Sea, denying other parties’ claims and defying international court rulings that invalidate its claim.
China took full control of the Paracels in 1974 after a naval conflict with Vietnam.
China maintains conflicts with several neighboring countries over the sovereignty of islands and atolls in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entirely for “historical reasons”, despite protests from neighboring countries.
These waters form a strategic area through which a third of world trade flows and where important fish and energy resources can be found.
Source: DN
