Subi Reef
The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) says Subi Reef is China's northern-most outpost in the Spratly Island group and is just 25 kilometres from civilian populations of the Philippines.
It says China has reclaimed almost 4 million square metres of land and is possibly preparing to build a landing strip. It has already built a helipad, and possibly satellite and security infrastructure.
In its natural state, the reef was submerged at high tide.
Fiery Cross Reef
AMTI estimates China has reclaimed nearly 3 million square metres at Fiery Cross Reef and its satellite imagery clearly shows the construction of an air strip is underway.
The landing strip is about 3,000 metres long, which would allow military aircraft to land, and AMTI says port facilities under construction may be large enough to dock military tankers.
It says development on the reef also includes cement plants, air defence guns, possible gun emplacements and radar towers, helipads and lighthouses.
Mischief Reef
China is believed to have begun land reclamation at Mischief Reef early this year, and has already reclaimed 5.5 million square metres.
China has military facilities and possible satellite communications antennas on the reef, and the access channel has been widened.
"Many have speculated that the by widening the entrance to the reef, China intends to create a naval base on the reclaimed reef," AMTI reports.
Gaven Reef
China has built an artificial island measuring about 300 metres by 250 metres at Gaven Reef in the Tizard Banks.
A causeway links the island with a small facility that had long stood on the reef.
"China has had a troop and supply garrison on Gaven Reef as far back as 2003," AMTI reports. "This has included a large supply platform where ships can dock, several gun emplacements, and radar and communications equipment."
Hughes Reef
IHS Jane's estimates China has built a landmass of 75,000 square metres in the Spratly Islands, and equipment on the site includes an anti-aircraft tower.
Johnson South Reef
Johnson South Reef is a submerged reef, and has been converted into an artificial island about 400 metres wide in parts.
The site houses a multi-level military facility, possible radar facility and a small port.
Cuarteron Reef
AMTI says this reef already hosted a concrete supply platform with radar and communications equipment, but China has now built an artificial island and other structures.
It estimates China has reclaimed 231,000 square metres, and built five possible communication antennas, a possible radar facility, two helipads, and five possible gun or missile emplacements.
Post a Comment