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China is reportedly building an airstrip on Triton island in the disputed South China Sea. Triton island is claimed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Satellite photos show ongoing construction on the airstrip, which appears to be of a more modest scale compared to the ones built on the artificial islands in the Spratly group. The South China Sea has been a subject of territorial disputes, with China claiming ownership of the entire region, defying an international ruling that invalidated its claims.

The airstrip on Triton island, as seen in satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press, was first observed in early August. It is currently laid out at a length of over 600 meters, making it suitable for turboprop aircraft and drones, but not for fighter jets or bombers. The photos also reveal numerous vehicle tracks, containers, and construction equipment on the island.

Triton island is located in the Paracel group, which lies between Vietnam and China’s island province of Hainan. The United States has no official position on the sovereignty claims surrounding the South China Sea but frequently conducts “freedom of navigation operations” near the Chinese-held islands. Triton island was the focus of one such mission in 2018.

China has maintained a presence on Triton island for years, with a small harbor, buildings, a helipad, and radar arrays. The island also features Chinese symbols representing the ruling Communist Party. China has not provided specific details about its island construction activities, other than stating that it aims to enhance global navigation safety. China denies accusations of militarizing the South China Sea and asserts its right to exercise control over the region as its sovereign territory.

In 1974, China seized full control of the Paracel islands from Vietnam during a naval conflict. The ongoing construction on Triton island further adds to tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

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