New Structures Appear on South China Sea Islet Amid Military Buildup
Recent satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters shows new construction on Yagong Island, a small islet near Antelope Reef in the disputed South China Sea. Analysts believe the construction could be linked to what is being described as China's largest military base in the region.
The three-pronged structure on Yagong Island was first seen in satellite images taken in March and April, with the latest image captured on August 17 by Vantor, a commercial provider of satellite imagery. While the exact purpose of the buildings remains unclear, a Vantor spokesperson said the structures resemble military radar and early warning facilities seen elsewhere in the South China Sea.
Security analysts caution that it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the function of the construction. Some suggest it could be the beginning of an early warning radar facility to support future installations on Antelope Reef, located 14 kilometers to the southwest. Singapore-based security scholar Collin Koh said the installation could be a standalone observation post, but added, "Most likely a radar station, if I can make an educated guess."
Reuters reported last week that China has completed the first phase of construction at Antelope Reef, where satellite images show an artificial island nearly 6 kilometers long, with a coastline of more than 3 kilometers that some analysts view as a potential runway. This development has heightened concerns about the militarization of the South China Sea, a region where China, the United States, and their allies have increased military presence.
The Chinese defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment. China has not acknowledged the construction of a military base on Antelope Reef, and state media have stated that any facilities would serve civilian needs such as weather forecasting, fisheries protection, and scientific research.
The Paracel Islands, where Yagong and Antelope Reef are located, have been occupied by China since 1974, when they were seized from the navy of the former South Vietnam. Vietnam claims the entire archipelago, and the nearby Spratly Islands are also claimed, in whole or in part, by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. Vietnam has expanded its own network of bases in the Spratlys in recent years, according to analysts.
Regional security analysts and military attaches suggest that the new construction is likely aimed at strengthening China's military hold over the northern part of this vital trade waterway. Open-source intelligence tracker Damien Symon, who monitors activity in the Paracels, said a radar facility was possible but that it was too early for a definitive assessment.
The South China Sea remains a critical flashpoint in regional geopolitics, with overlapping territorial claims and strategic shipping lanes. Any military buildup in the area is closely watched by neighboring countries and global powers, given the potential for conflict, including over Taiwan. The latest construction, while modest in scale, underscores the ongoing competition for control in these contested waters.
