BEIJING, China: New South China Sea construction has appeared on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef in the disputed Paracels.
According to satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters, Commercial satellite provider Vantor captured the latest image on August 17. Earlier imagery indicated that construction began during March and April.
The new site has a three-pronged layout. However, analysts said it was too early to determine its exact purpose. A Vantor spokesperson said several structures resembled radar or early-warning facilities seen elsewhere in the South China Sea.
The company said they could support future installations on nearby Antelope Reef. Reuters previously reported that China had completed the first phase of construction at Antelope Reef.
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Satellite images showed an artificial island nearly six kilometres long. They also revealed a straight stretch of coastline exceeding three kilometres, which some analysts consider suitable for a possible runway.
Yagong Island lies about 14 kilometres northeast of Antelope Reef. Both sit within the Crescent Group of the western Paracel Islands.
China has not publicly confirmed plans for a new military base. Chinese state media have said Antelope Reef could support weather forecasting, fisheries protection and scientific research.
Open-source intelligence analyst Damien Symon said a radar facility was possible but remained unconfirmed.
Singapore-based security scholar Collin Koh also said the site could serve as an observation post. He assessed that a radar station was the most likely explanation.
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Vietnam also claims the Paracel Islands. The Chinese and Vietnamese governments did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
