China tests controversial SCS airstrip
Garnering vociferous regional objections, China landed a first aircraft onto its new 3,000m-long airstrip at Fiery Cross Reef in the disputed South China Sea on 2 January.
Vietnam and Japan registered diplomatic protests, with the Philippines promising to do the same, regarding the flight of a civil aircraft to the Chinese-controlled reef in the Spratly Islands, while the US also expressed concern. Beijing vigorously defended its actions, claiming it has ‘indisputable sovereignty’ over the territory.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said the aim of the landing was to ‘test whether or not the facilities on it meet the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening]()
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
![Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet]()
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
