An image released by the Asian Maritime Transparency Initiative showing a Chinese military plane on Subi Reef
Asia Times: Chinese military aircraft seen on Spratlys
The transport plane, known as a Shaanxi Y-8, was spotted on Subi Reef by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies
Satellite imagery published by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has revealed the first confirmed deployment of a military aircraft, identified as a Shaanxi Y-8, at Subi Reef in the Spratly Islands.
Subi, or Zhubi Jiao in Pinyin, is occupied by China and claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.
In recent years, China reclaimed land at Subi and transformed it from a reef into an island of nearly four square kilometers. It has a military base, a large harbor and a 3,000-meter airstrip.
A Shaanxi Y-8 is a Chinese-made transport aircraft based on the Russian Antonov An-12. Newer, upgraded versions of the Shaanxi Y-8 can be used for maritime patrol and signals intelligence.
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WNU editor: No one should be surprised that this is happening.
More News On Chinese Military Aircraft Being Deployed In The South China Sea
China lands military plane at third Spratly Island, just 12 nautical miles from Philippines -- The Telegraph
Is Beijing readying its airstrips for a military build-up in the South China Sea? -- SCMP
Chinese Military Aircraft Spotted on Third Disputed South China Sea Reef -- Sputnik
China's Plan to Conquer the South China Sea Is Now Clear -- Richard A. Bitzinger, The National Interest
Build our own? Hard to figure out what to do at this point.
ReplyDeleteAll these islands are huge bullseyes, and will be the first to be targeted in war. No need to worry of civilian casualties, just bomb until there's nothing left.
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