Radio Free Asia

Antelope Reef is China's newest artificial island in the South China Sea. Analysts say the outpost could strengthen Beijing's administrative presence and maritime surveillance in the disputed Spratly Islands.

A Taiwanese government report reviewed by Radio Free Asia points to a larger strategy:
🔴 Beijing fortifies the outposts but would sacrifice them in a conflict to slow foreign forces.
🔴 The delay would give Beijing time to execute a swift military takeover of Taiwan.

📷: RFA

Vietnam’s new 13,000-foot runway and navigation beacon at Barque Canada Reef will significantly extend its air defense capabilities in the disputed Spratly Islands.

In addition to the runway, Satellite imagery also confirms that a new communications structure has been installed — according to AMTI, it appears to be a Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range (DVOR) navigation beacon that will likely provide accurate navigation for Vietnamese aircraft within 100 nautical miles of the island.

📷: RFA