Satellite images from late January analyzed by IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly show that China is reclaiming a significant amount of land at three sites in the Spratly Islands, in addition to two other sites previously documented by the defense publication.
“Where it used to have a few, small concrete platforms, it now has full islands with helipads, airstrips, harbors, and facilities to support large numbers of troops,” James Hardy, Jane’s Asia Pacific editor, told CNN.
“We can see that this is a methodical, well-planned campaign to create a chain of air and sea capable fortresses across the center of the Spratly Islands chain.”
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China’s Ministry of Defense didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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