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China has been observed constructing a runway on Triton Island, a disputed territory in the South China Sea. This island is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. Satellite images from August reveal the presence of a new airstrip on Triton Island, located in the Paracel Islands. The island lies equidistant from the coasts of Vietnam and China’s island province of Hainan.

The runway on Triton Island measures 600 meters in length, capable of accommodating turboprop aircraft and drones, but not fighter jets or bombers. The construction of this airstrip is part of China’s efforts to assert its claims over the entire South China Sea, disregarding the claims of other Southeast Asian nations and international rulings.

China has been fortifying islands in the disputed waters to reinforce its sovereignty. A total of seven man-made islands in the Spratly group to the east have been equipped with airstrips, docks, and military systems. Alongside the airstrip on Triton Island, there are numerous vehicle tracks, containers, and construction equipment visible on the island, indicating ongoing development.

In addition to the runway, a new building has been constructed approximately 100 meters south of Triton Island. It appears to be connected to the runway by a taxiway. Triton Island previously had a small harbor, buildings, helipad, and radar arrays. The island’s fields display symbols representing the Chinese flag and the ruling Communist Party.

Vietnam has shown relative ambivalence towards the developments on Triton Island, not considering them a significant threat to its security. However, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently met with his Vietnamese counterpart, expressing China’s willingness to work together against external interference and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and the region.

The United States, while claiming to remain neutral on sovereignty claims, regularly conducts “freedom of navigation operations” near the disputed islands. These operations involve the deployment of navy ships in the area.

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