China has built a strategic artificial island in the South China Sea — Forbes
While the international community has been focused on the crisis in the Persian Gulf, China has effectively annexed new territory in the South China Sea.
Using powerful dredgers, Beijing has rapidly transformed Antelope Reef into a fully-fledged artificial island located 400 kilometers off the coast of Vietnam.
According to Forbes, the Chinese side acted with maximum speed to present the world with a fait accompli regarding the creation of new land.
Vietnam lodged an official protest only in March 2026—five months after active land reclamation work began.
Analysts call China’s actions a “legal war,” as Beijing is attempting to legitimize territorial seizures through its own specific interpretation of international maritime law.
According to the UN Convention, the status of any feature is determined prior to the start of artificial construction, so the construction does not automatically grant China rights to the surrounding resources.
Satellite monitoring systems have recorded more than 50 major structures on the newly created feature.
Of greatest concern is a runway approximately 2,700 meters long, which allows for the deployment of military aircraft and significantly strengthens China’s position in the event of an escalation of the conflict over Taiwan.
Official Beijing traditionally rejects accusations of militarizing the region, presenting the construction as a purely civilian project.
“The necessary construction on our own territory is aimed at improving living and working conditions on the islands and developing the local economy,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on March 23.
However, experts point to the strategic location of the base, which is located just 300 kilometers from a major Chinese submarine base.
The new facility will allow the Chinese navy to more effectively block U.S. reconnaissance operations and control key trade routes.
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