Why is China secretly building a massive new island in the South China Sea?
China is expanding its military presence in the South China Sea by constructing a massive artificial island on Antelope Reef. The project features infrastructure capable of supporting a long runway, signaling a shift in regional maritime strategy.
Why it matters
This development escalates territorial tensions in the South China Sea and challenges international maritime law regarding disputed waters.
Antelope Reef was once little more than a sandbar, barely visible above the waterline. In just a few months, it has been transformed into a 600 hectare atoll. Dredgers have pulled millions of tonnes of sand from the seabed to build an engineered island complete with new structures and a long, straight strip of land that appears capable of supporting a runway stretching 2,700 metres.
The article presents factual observations about construction and cites multiple perspectives on China's strategic intentions.
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