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Satellite images of Triton Island in the South China Sea reveal the construction of a new structure that experts believe is part of China’s military expansion in the disputed region. China, Vietnam, and Taiwan all claim ownership of the Paracel Islands group, where Triton Island is located. China has been aggressively asserting its maritime claims in the South China Sea by expanding its military presence on the island chains.

Satellite photos taken in August show a long runway or roadway being built on Triton Island, while photos from March do not show the structure. Experts speculate that the structure may be a levee or raised roadway, designed to protect the land from sea water and make China’s military outpost on the island more sustainable. If it is an airstrip, China could potentially use Triton Island as a refueling station for its aircraft during missions in the South China Sea.

The construction on Triton Island is part of China’s larger efforts to create permanent features, including seawalls, airfields, and buildings, across various islands in the South China Sea. These construction projects were initially claimed to be for scientific research but have been revealed to have military purposes.

The United States, along with Vietnam and Taiwan, opposes China’s claims and has called on Beijing to conform to international law. The U.S. has been conducting freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea to maintain peace and security in the region against excessive maritime claims. The new construction on Triton Island is expected to antagonize Vietnam, as it is closer to Vietnam than other Southeast Asian countries.

China’s claims to 90% of the South China Sea have led to tensions with neighboring states, including Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The new structure on Triton Island further complicates the situation and raises concerns about China’s military buildup in the region.

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