China tests controversial SCS airstrip
Garnering vociferous regional objections, China landed a first aircraft onto its new 3,000m-long airstrip at Fiery Cross Reef in the disputed South China Sea on 2 January.
Vietnam and Japan registered diplomatic protests, with the Philippines promising to do the same, regarding the flight of a civil aircraft to the Chinese-controlled reef in the Spratly Islands, while the US also expressed concern. Beijing vigorously defended its actions, claiming it has ‘indisputable sovereignty’ over the territory.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said the aim of the landing was to ‘test whether or not the facilities on it meet the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![GAO recommends better oversight of support for shipyards in the face of capacity concerns]()
GAO recommends better oversight of support for shipyards in the face of capacity concerns
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) believes the US industrial base will struggle to meet US Navy (USN) requirements. This follows recent warnings from USN heads of a decline in resources and that the industrial base is under strain.
-
![Lockheed Martin wins three new DoD naval contracts including on Littoral Combat Ships]()
Lockheed Martin wins three new DoD naval contracts including on Littoral Combat Ships
Lockheed Martin has won contracts and contract modifications on systems and platforms ranging from missile systems and naval helicopters to Littoral Combat Ships.
-
![German Type 424 SIGINT vessel moves forward with keel laying]()
German Type 424 SIGINT vessel moves forward with keel laying
The first of the three vessels in Germany’s new SIGINT fleet has had its keel laid, with the expectation that it will enter service in 2029.
-
![Airbus wins €480 million contract to build communications network for French air and naval forces]()
Airbus wins €480 million contract to build communications network for French air and naval forces
The IP Network, named RIFAN 3, will build on the work of previous RIFAN 2 network, with development work carried out on the new system between 2026 to 2030.
