China is reviving its island-building campaign in the South China Sea, transforming a once-obscure reef into its largest military base in the disputed waters. The construction at Antelope Reef could give Beijing another runway, more missile facilities, and additional surveillance installations, analysts say.
The status of the South China Sea has long been disputed between China and countries in the region. Beijing's island-building campaign has strengthened its hold on the waterway and given it control of a thoroughfare that would be vital in any conflict over Taiwan.
Recent flashpoints have been around Scarborough Shoal in the east and in the more-disputed Spratly Islands further south. Vietnam has embarked on an island-building campaign of its own in the Spratlys, and has been rapidly catching up to China in creating new land.
Analysts say the work at Antelope Reef could be a response to show Vietnam and others that China won't be outdone. The area of reclaimed land at Antelope Reef is roughly 1,490 acres, already about the same size as Mischief Reef in the Spratlys.
China's largest island in the Paracels, Woody Island, measures 890 acres. Vietnam's foreign ministry has protested the work at Antelope Reef, saying any foreign activities in the Paracels without Vietnamese permission are illegal.
Chinese officials have called the Paracels their inherent territory. The work at Antelope may not be a strategic game-changer, but it could still pose a problem for the U.S. and allies if there is a conflict over Taiwan.
