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China has been constructing a runway on Triton Island, a disputed territory in the South China Sea. The island is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. Satellite imagery reveals that a new airstrip appeared on Triton Island in early August. The island is located equidistantly between Vietnam and China’s island province of Hainan.

The runway is currently 600 meters long, which is sufficient for turboprop aircraft and drones, but not for fighter jets or bombers. China asserts its claim to the entire South China Sea, disregarding the claims of other Southeast Asian countries and defying international rulings. To establish its sovereignty, China continues to fortify islands in the disputed waters.

The construction on Triton Island mirrors the development on seven other man-made islands in the Spratly group. These islands have been equipped with airstrips, docks, and military systems. In addition to the runway, satellite images also show numerous vehicle tracks across Triton Island, along with what appears to be containers and construction equipment.

China had already established a small harbor, buildings, a helipad, and radar arrays on the island. Two large fields on the island display symbols of the Chinese flag and the ruling Communist Party. Vietnam seems relatively indifferent about the developments on Triton Island and does not perceive them as a significant threat to its security.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently met with his Vietnamese counterpart to discuss the situation in the South China Sea. They expressed a willingness to oppose interference from external forces and maintain peace and stability in the region. The United States claims to take no position on sovereignty claims but frequently conducts freedom of navigation operations near the disputed islands.

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