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China is reportedly constructing an airstrip on Triton island in the South China Sea, which is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press reveal construction work on the island’s airstrip, similar to the development on seven other human-made islands in the region. It appears that the airstrip on Triton island is currently smaller in scale compared to the other islands. The runway is over 600 meters long, accommodating turboprop aircraft and drones, but not fighter jets or bombers. The satellite images also show vehicle tracks, containers, and construction equipment on the island.

Triton island is one of the major islands in the Paracel group, located between Vietnam and China’s island province of Hainan. The United States does not take a stance on the sovereignty claims but conducts regular “freedom of navigation operations” near the Chinese-held islands. Triton island was the focus of one of these missions in 2018. China has already established a small harbor and buildings on the island, along with a helipad and radar arrays. The island features symbols of the Chinese flag and the ruling Communist Party.

China has refused to provide detailed information about its island construction work, but claims that it is aimed at enhancing global navigation safety. China has also denied accusations of militarizing the South China Sea. The waterway is crucial for international trade, with an estimated £3.9 trillion passing through annually. China gained full control of the Paracel Islands from Vietnam in a naval conflict in 1974.

The construction of the airstrip on Triton island comes at a time when tensions in the South China Sea are escalating. Analysts have raised concerns about the increasing military activities and potential conflicts in the region. The US has been warned to pay attention to the situation, highlighting incidents like the Chinese navy’s attack on a Philippine resupply ship. The developments in the South China Sea could have significant implications in the future.

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