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South China Sea
ChinaDiplomacy

Explainer | South China Sea: what are rival claimants building on islands and reefs?

  • China, Vietnam and the Philippines occupy the most features in the contested waters, and many of their claims overlap
  • All three countries are expanding their presence and building military facilities

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Construction is visible on the Vietnam-controlled Southwest Cay, in the Spratly Islands. Photo: Reuters
Rachel Zhangin Shanghai
Of the numerous parties disputing portions of the South China Sea, the claimants that have occupied the most of its features are China, Vietnam and the Philippines. Each has built military facilities on its occupied islands and reefs, and reclaimed land to allow further construction.

‘Substantial Chinese expansion’

Since 2014, China has increased its military presence in the disputed waters substantially. It has installed military infrastructure in the Spratly and Paracel islands, including new radar and communications arrays, airstrips and hangars for combat aircraft, and surface-to-air and anti-ship cruise missile systems, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies’ Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI).

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Explained: the history of China’s territorial disputes

Explained: the history of China’s territorial disputes
The entire Paracel Islands, including 20 features, are occupied by China, as are seven features in the Spratlys. Scarborough Shoal has been Chinese-controlled since 2012, but has yet to have any facilities built on it.

There has been a “substantial expansion of [China’s] presence” in the Paracels, the AMTI has reported.

China is reclaiming 1,300 hectares (3,200 acres) of land in the Spratlys. It has militarised the island-like Fiery Cross Reef, which has an airstrip, while other features it claims in the group were originally spits of land or submerged coral reefs. Among those, Mischief and Subi reefs have been expanded to be the largest islands in the area along with Fiery Cross; these are sometimes referred to as the “big three”.

China’s artificial outposts and ‘capital’

Subi is the biggest artificial Chinese outpost in the Spratlys. The big three have similar military facilities, including missile emplacements, runways, extensive storage facilities and military radars, according to Reuters. The islands also have civic infrastructure.

There has been a small amount of reclamation in the Chinese-occupied Paracel Islands. Woody Island has undergone the most expansion, with upgraded harbours and an airbase. It is the military and administrative capital for all of China’s claims in the South China Sea.

China is using Woody Island as a surveillance station to protect military bases on nearby islands, according to Reuters. Fighters and bombers have been deployed to the island.

What is Vietnam building in the South China Sea?

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