China's construction of artificial islands in the Spratlys, initially promised to be non-militarized, soon revealed a different truth. These islands now boast airstrips, harbours, radar stations, anti-aircraft guns, anti-ship cruise missiles, and long-range surface-to-air missiles.
Beijing [China], April 17 (ANI): In an effort to increase its control in the disputed areas, China has begun sending its most advanced fighter aircraft and also militarized at least three artificial islands that have been built in the South China Sea.
Beijing [China], March 28 (ANI): The violations of international law, as well as foreign interference in the disputed waters of the South China Sea by China, has led many South-East Asian nations to oppose Beijing's military activities in the area.
Hong Kong, March 26 (ANI): China in a fresh assertion reiterated that Beijing "has right to develop South China Sea (SCS) Islands as it deems fit" contrary to what it said earlier that it would not transform the artificial islands in the contested waters of SCS to a military base.
Beijing [China], June 28 (ANI): China has conducted a land reclamation project under which it is building artificial islands in the South China Sea, but do they really represent an asset to China's military?
Beijing [China], Dec 16 (ANI): China has unveiled a satellite network plan for round-the-clock lock on South China Sea, which experts say, is aimed at strengthening Beijing's hold on contested waters as it quietly presses on with build-up on artificial islands.