Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

China tests controversial SCS airstrip

11th January 2016 - 23:30 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Hong Kong

RSS

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?

Author

Gordon Arthur

Gordon Arthur was the Asia Pacific editor for Shephard Media. Born in Scotland and educated …

Read full bio

More from Naval Warfare

The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles

The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea

The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA

Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts

L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS

In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft

The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.