China Expanding Surveillance Hardware in South China Sea: Report

A 2023 file image shows an inflatable vessel carrying members of the Philippine Coast Guard passing a Chinese Coast Guard ship in the vicinity of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP

China has reportedly expanded its surveillance capacity in the South China Sea. A new report by the U.S. think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, used satellite images to track additions to three main Chinese facilities in the Spratly Islands.

It alleges that three Chinese outposts – on the Fiery Cross, Subic, and Mischief reefs – have seen additions of surveillance and reconnaissance systems. These include large antennas aimed at picking up maritime activity, coupled with vehicles kitted out for surveillance.

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by CGSP Staff

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