China defends its South China Sea reclamations
Recent satellite imagery reveals China’s progress in reclaiming land in the South China Sea continues unabated. Significantly, Beijing is now building its first ever runway in the disputed Spratly Islands.
This construction is taking place at Fiery Cross Reef, 1,000+km from China’s coast, and by late March an area 503m x 53m for the 3,300m runway had already been paved. An apron measuring 400m x 20m has been constructed to date too.
China began reclamation work there late last year, and the reef is likely to host a runway 3,000m long. A harbour is also being constructed on the reef,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS]()
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
