China is building a missile launch site on a strategic island
A few years ago we talked about a group of artificial islands built by China in the Pacific. Its goal was none other than to become stronger in an area of the planet where claims on water have intensified. The country was known to strengthen itself in the South China Sea due to its strategic location and abundant natural resources. An important region for global trade, as approximately one third of global maritime trade passes through here. Satellite images have shown which direction they are pointing.
Radar and “more”. Let’s imagine that we are facing an area rich in oil, natural gas and fishing resources, which are important for the Chinese economy. In the context of competition with the United States and territorial claims of neighboring countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines, China considers it necessary to establish a strong military and surveillance presence in the region.
The result, according to some images, is the construction of an anti-poaching radar on Triton Island, a disputed rock in the enclave. According to Chatham House analysis, this infrastructure seeks to improve the tracking capabilities of aircraft and ships in the area, primarily by restricting the operations of US stealth aircraft. The radar is part of a series of similar developments on other reefs and strengthens the surveillance network in the area, as well as, a missile launch point.
Drive away America. It is clear from the pictures that China is trying to modernize its post on Triton Island. Thus, in the south-west corner of the Paracel Archipelago it seems that a launching point for a battery of anti-ship missiles is being built, as well as a state-of-the-art radar system.
In this regard, Michael Dahm, senior resident researcher at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, commented in The Guardian that “By limiting the United States’ ability to operate stealth aircraft and threaten them, these capabilities in the South China Sea create a powerful Sends signals “to US allies and partners in the region that advanced US technologies may not be able to counter the PLA (People’s Liberation Army).”
Location and tension. The 120-hectare Triton Reef forms a significant part of the southwest of the Paracel Islands, which China has controlled since a conflict with Vietnam in 1974. Both Taiwan and Vietnam also claim these islands, and the situation is a center of tension. Area. In addition, and as we said, the region is rich in fishing and energy resources, which increases its geopolitical importance. China also claims much of the South China Sea, even though an international court has rejected its arguments.
And the United States? Although it has not claimed any territories in the South China Sea, the country considers these sea lanes essential to its trade and security. In addition, it regularly conducts so-called “freedom of navigation” operations in the region and maintains a defense alliance with the Philippines, which it has pledged to support in the event of attacks in the region.
Risks of conflict. Over the past two years, China has been accused of aggressive behavior in and around these waters, and this situation has led to heightened tensions recently. Without going further, this month Vietnam accused Chinese forces of attacking Vietnamese fishermen near the Paracels, highlighting a delicate situation and threatening to escalate tensions.
If Chatham House analysts are correct, Triton’s radar could make navigation difficult for American, British and Australian fleets. Of course, that’s not counting the infrastructure under development that includes a platform for anti-ship missiles. A notice to sailors that Chinese defenses were strengthened in the archipelago.
Image | maxar
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