China appears to be constructing an airstrip on a disputed South China Sea island that is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan, according to satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press.
The world needs to figure out how to put China in its place.
nuke it
Found MacArthur’s account
This is the best summary I could come up with:
Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by the AP show construction on the airstrip first visible in early August.
The runway, as currently laid out, would be more than 600 meters (2,000 feet) in length, long enough to accommodate turboprop aircraft and drones, but not fighter jets or bombers.
The U.S. takes no stance on the sovereignty claims, but regularly sends Navy ships on “freedom of navigation operations” near the Chinese-held islands.
Two large fields on the island sport a star from the Chinese flag and a hammer and sickle representing the ruling Communist Party.
China has refused to provide details of its island construction work other than to say it is aimed at helping global navigation safety.
It has rejected accusations that it is militarizing the crucial waterway, through which an estimated $5 trillion in trade passes annually, and says it has the right to do as it wishes in its sovereign territory.
I’m a bot and I’m open source!
How long before it’s underwater?
Based on reports I have seen, about 10 years. But that may still be long enough.
Could they just build an artificial island when it is?
It’s a good strategy. Just claim land by building thing on it, if no one stops you it’s ok.
China is taking a page from Israel
How come a country located in East Asia claims territory right in the middle of South East Asia? It’s completely ridiculous. Just a stone toss more and they might as well claim Singapore as their territory.
Emperor Xi will Make China Great Again and will crush any and all that attempt to stop him.
Removed by mod
