Chinese work gathering pace on Antelope Reef in South China Sea, latest satellite images show: Reuters
Satellite images show grading, gravel and concrete work as analysts say the runway could make Antelope Reef one of China’s most important offshore bases.
- On Friday, October 2, 2026, Chinese construction of a runway on Antelope Reef in the Paracels is well underway, with analysts estimating completion by mid-2027 to strengthen Beijing's military control over the South China Sea.
- Beijing has occupied the Paracels since driving out South Vietnam forces in 1974, despite competing claims from Vietnam and Taiwan over the disputed archipelago.
- Satellite imagery from Vantor shows grading work and compaction cranes, prompting PLATracker founder Ben Lewis to compare the site to the 3-km runway built on Fiery Cross in 2015. "They've had 10 years to get faster at this," Lewis said.
- A completed base at Antelope would extend the reach of Chinese naval ships and aircraft while protecting the approaches to Hainan Island, where Beijing keeps its nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines.
- While state media claims Antelope will serve civilian research needs, China recently confirmed a new joint military support facility in Laos, deepening Beijing's strategic presence across Southeast Asia.
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The Economic Times
Chinese work gathering pace on Antelope Reef in South China Sea, latest satellite images show
Chinese construction at Antelope Reef is well underway, aiming to develop a significant military runway. Analysts project its completion by mid-2027, which would strengthen Beijing's military presence in the South China Sea. Satellite imagery reveals extensive ongoing work including grading and compacting the runway foundation. The base could significantly extend the range of Chinese naval and military operations in the region.
Chinese work gathering pace on Antelope Reef in South China Sea, latest satellite images show
HONG KONG, Oct 2 - Chinese construction of a runway on Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago is well underway with analysts estimating it could be completed by mid-2027, strengthening Beijing's military control over the disputed South China Sea. Read more at straitstimes.com.
China has made significant progress with work on a runway on the Antelope reef in the Paracel archipelago. Here, Beijing has built an artificial island in one of the most disputed areas of the sea...
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