Fresh construction spotted on islet near Antelope Reef in Paracels
Satellite images reveal new structures on Yagong Island near Antelope Reef, likely an early warning radar supporting China's military build-up in the Paracels.
Fresh satellite imagery has captured new construction on Yagong Island, a small islet located roughly 14 kilometres northeast of Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago. The images, taken on August 17 by commercial satellite provider Vantor, show a three-pronged structure that analysts believe could be the beginning of an early warning radar facility.
Vantor noted that construction on the islet began as early as March or April. While the exact purpose of the buildings remains unconfirmed, the company said the structures resemble military radar and early-warning installations seen elsewhere in the South China Sea, and are likely linked to the strategic functions of the nearby Antelope Reef.
This development follows reports that China has completed the first phase of construction at Antelope Reef, where an artificial island nearly 6 kilometres long has emerged. Analysts have pointed to a straight coastline exceeding 3 kilometres as a potential runway, suggesting the reef could host a major military base.
Both Yagong Island and Antelope Reef are part of the Crescent Group in the western Paracels. China has occupied the Paracels since 1974, when it took control from the former South Vietnam. Vietnam continues to claim the entire archipelago, and has been expanding its own presence in the Spratly Islands further south.
Regional security experts say the new construction is likely aimed at strengthening China's military hold over the northern reaches of the vital trade waterway. Singapore-based scholar Collin Koh said the installation could be a standalone observation post, but added that a radar station is the most probable function. Open-source intelligence tracker Damien Symon echoed this view, noting it was still too early to make a definitive assessment.
The Chinese defence ministry has not responded to requests for comment. Beijing has not acknowledged any new military base, with state media maintaining that Antelope Reef will serve civilian purposes such as weather forecasting, fisheries protection, and scientific research.