China building island big enough for airstrip in disputed waters

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Satellite images show China building an island on a reef near the disputed Spratly Islands. The new island could be big enough to hold the country's first airstrip in the South China Sea.

Defense publication IHS Jane's said satellite images taken on August 8 and November 14 show Chinese dredgers have created a land mass along Fiery Cross Reef almost as long as the reef itself.

The new island is more than 3,000 meters (about two miles) long and between 200 and 300 meters (660 to 980 feet) wide. Dredgers are also creating a harbor that would be big enough for tankers and major surface combatants, the publication said.

The construction has caused alarm among the other countries that lay claim to the island chain. The Spratly Islands and surrounding waters are also claimed by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Brunei.

The Philippines in May expressed alarm over other China-built reefs in the area, saying the construction was intended for an airfield.

The U.S. recently partially lifted its ban on weapons sales to Vietnam to allow maritime weapons and weapon platforms in light of South China Sea conflicts.

China, the only Spratly Islands claimant without an airfield in the area, condemned the U.S. action.

The longstanding disputes between the countries involve both land and sea claims, with interests that include oil, natural gas, fishing areas and control over shipping lanes.