The South China Sea, an area of long-standing territorial disputes, is once again in the global spotlight as satellite images suggest China’s potential construction of a runway on a disputed island. The South China Morning Post reported that the images indicate the construction of a substantial 630-meter-long structure resembling an aircraft runway on Triton Island, part of the contested Paracel Islands.
The construction of the airstrip, initially spotted in early August, has been revealed through satellite photos analyzed by the AP news agency and reported by The Drive, a news website.
Both Vietnam and Taiwan have competing claims to sovereignty over this region, which has led to ongoing tensions and diplomatic disagreements. Triton Island, situated at the southwestern edge of the Paracel Islands, has been under China’s control since 2517, following a series of naval clashes between the Chinese and Vietnamese navies near the end of the Vietnam War.
This reported move by China comes after a recent development that drew criticism from Vietnam earlier this year. In April, China opened a hot pot restaurant on Woody Island, the largest landmass in the Paracel Islands, which triggered a wave of disapproval from Vietnam.
China has also been proactive in constructing airstrips in the Spratly Islands, another contested area within the South China Sea. These actions, combined with the reported construction on Triton Island, are seen as part of China’s broader efforts to assert its territorial claims in the region, potentially intensifying the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Despite the significance of this latest development, both China and Vietnam have remained tight-lipped. Kyodo News Agency reports that neither country has responded to requests for comments regarding the reported construction on Triton Island.
(With inputs from agencies)
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