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China is reportedly constructing a runway on a disputed island in the South China Sea, according to satellite imagery. The images show the development of an airstrip on Triton island, which is part of an archipelago claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. The construction on Triton resembles previous development on the Spratly islands, featuring airstrips, docks, and military systems.

The runway on Triton appears to be more than 600 meters long, suitable for accommodating smaller aircraft and drones, but not fighter jets or bombers. The satellite images also reveal vehicle tracks across the island, along with containers and construction equipment.

The South China Sea has long been a subject of territorial disputes, with China claiming the majority of the region for itself and conflicting with neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China has also refused to accept a ruling in 2016 that dismissed its claim to the contested waters, which are rich in fishing grounds, oil, gas deposits, and serve as a major trading route.

Triton island sits equidistant from the coast of Vietnam and China’s island province of Hainan. China has maintained its authority over the island for several years, with a small harbor, a helipad, and various buildings. The island features two fields with symbols representing the ruling Communist Party.

While the United States maintains neutrality on territorial disputes in the region, it regularly conducts air and naval patrols near the Chinese-held islands to assert freedom of navigation. Triton island was the focus of such patrols in 2018. Japan also actively participates in the region despite not having territorial claims of its own.

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