A few years ago, we talked about the artificial islands that China built in the Pacific. Its aim was none other than to gain power in a region of the planet where claims to water were concentrated. It was known that the country was trying to consolidate itself in the South China Sea due to its strategic location and abundant natural resources. It is a very important region for global trade, as approximately one-third of global maritime trade passes through here. Satellite images discovered where they pointed.

Radars and “more”. Let’s imagine that we are faced with a region rich in oil, natural gas and fishing resources, which are vital for the Chinese economy. In the context of competition with the United States and territorial claims from 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, was the construction of an anti-poaching radar on Triton Island, a disputed reef in the area. According to Chatham House’s analysis, this infrastructure aims to improve the tracking capabilities of aircraft and ships in the region and restricts the operations of stealth aircraft, especially American ones. The radar is part of similar developments at other reefs, strengthening the surveillance network in the area and appears to be a missile launch point next to it.

Take America away. What is clear from the footage is that it is an attempt to modernize China’s outpost on Triton Island. As such, it appears that what could be a launch point for an anti-ship missile battery and advanced radar system is being built in the southwestern corner of the Paracel archipelago.

In this context, Michael Dahm, senior researcher at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, commented in The Guardian: “By limiting the United States’ ability to operate stealth aircraft and threaten them, these capabilities in the South China Sea send a strong signal.” “US allies and partners in the region with advanced US technologies may not be able to oppose the PLA (People’s Liberation Army).”

Location and tensions. The 120-hectare Triton Reef is a key part of the southwestern Paracel Islands archipelago that China has controlled since the conflict with Vietnam in 1974. Both Taiwan and Vietnam claim these islands, and the situation is a focal point of tension in the region. area. Additionally, as we said, the region’s richness in terms of fishing and energy resources increases its geopolitical importance. China claims much of the South China Sea as its own, although an international court rejected the claims.

What about the United States? Although the country has no territorial claims in the South China Sea, it considers these sea lanes important for its trade and security. Moreover, it regularly conducts so-called “freedom of navigation” operations in the region and maintains a defensive alliance with the Philippines, to which it has pledged support in the event of an attack on the region.

Conflict risks. Over the past two years, China has been accused of acting aggressively in and around these waters, leading to recent escalation of tensions. Without going any further, this month Vietnam accused Chinese forces of attacking Vietnamese fishermen near the Paracels, thus underscoring the delicate situation and risk of escalation.

If Chatham House analysts are right, Triton’s radar could make navigation difficult for American, British and Australian fleets. Of course, I’m not counting the infrastructure under development, which appears to include a platform for anti-ship missiles. An announcement for marines strengthening Chinese defenses in the archipelago.

Image | maxar

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