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
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