China’s Expansion in South China Sea: Artificial Islands & Territorial Disputes

The South China Sea, a region considered one of the most critical in the world, is at the centre of escalating tensions as China asserts its sovereignty over more than 80 percent of its strategic waterways. Approximately one-third of global maritime trade passes through these contested waters, making control of the area a significant geopolitical and economic prize.

China’s Expanding Claims

China’s claims are not unique; Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam also lay claim to portions of the territory. However, Beijing is actively working to solidify its position through a consistent pattern of land reclamation and infrastructure development.

Recent satellite imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellites, analysed in January 2026, reveals significant progress in China’s dredging activities near Antelope Reef – known as Lin-yang Jiao in Chinese and Da Hai Sam (“sea cucumber reef”) in Vietnamese. This activity indicates a systematic effort to transform submerged reefs into artificial islands, a strategy China has pursued for over a decade.

Changes observed in satellite images between 2018 and 2022 demonstrate the expansion of Antelope Reef into surrounding shallow waters. Newer phases of construction show freshly deposited sand and materials likely intended as foundations for technical or military installations.

Strategic Implications and Regional Response

The creation of these artificial islands addresses a key limitation for China: a lack of strategically positioned bases. While China has one officially acknowledged foreign military base, the United States maintains hundreds globally, including significant presences in Japan and South Korea.

Concerns have grown among the United States and its allies, particularly after satellite imagery in late 2024 revealed the presence of two Chinese warships, displacing 1500 tons, along with newly constructed berths capable of accommodating larger vessels at the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia.

China has reportedly created 1300 hectares of new land on the Spratly and Paracel Islands. It also controls Scarborough Shoal, seized from the Philippines in 2012. Vietnam is intensifying its own infrastructure development around the Spratly Islands, prompting protests from Beijing, while Taiwan faces provocative military exercises in its vicinity.

In December of the previous year, monitoring firm ingeniSPACE detected a new tactic involving the mobilization of up to 2,000 Chinese fishing vessels forming two massive “floating barriers” in an L-shape spanning 466 kilometers.

Expanding Civilian Presence

Beyond military infrastructure, China is actively seeking to bolster its presence on these remote islands by recruiting civilians and providing support for fishermen. These efforts have drawn criticism from Vietnam, which deems them “completely illegal and invalid.”

Recent recruitment drives are targeting social workers to staff eight reefs and islands within the Paracels and Spratlys. Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old, hold a university degree, and demonstrate “dedication to island and community service.”

Applicants are also expected to be capable of long-term stays in “remote maritime areas,” requiring exceptional physical and psychological adaptability, alongside strong organizational and interpersonal skills, a commitment to public service, and a willingness to reside on the islands for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of the South China Sea does China claim sovereignty over?

China claims sovereignty over more than 80 percent of the strategic waterways in the South China Sea.

Which countries dispute China’s claims in the South China Sea?

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam all dispute China’s claims in the South China Sea.

What has satellite imagery revealed about recent activity at Antelope Reef?

Satellite imagery shows significant progress in China’s dredging activities at Antelope Reef, indicating the expansion of the reef into surrounding shallow waters and the likely construction of military installations.

As China continues to assert its presence in the South China Sea, what impact will these actions have on regional stability and international trade routes?