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
-
![Denmark commits to three new Arctic vessels in light of Trump’s Greenland comments]()
Denmark commits to three new Arctic vessels in light of Trump’s Greenland comments
The vessels have been a necessity for years, but now Denmark is planning a stronger Arctic presence.
-
![UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships]()
UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships
The news of the upgrade comes just a week after UK Royal Navy (RN) vessels escorted a Russian spy ship out of the English Channel.
-
![Was acquiring the Aiviq polar vessel the right choice for the US Coast Guard?]()
Was acquiring the Aiviq polar vessel the right choice for the US Coast Guard?
Previous structural and mechanical issues in the 20-plus year icebreaker might represent challenges for the service.
