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Vietnam Expands All 21 Spratly Outposts as Satellite Analysis Flags Military Build-Up

Beijing has protested, warning it will take “necessary measures” after CSIS detailed Hanoi’s reclamation.

Image
Image
Satellite image of Ladd Reef, a Vietnam-controlled reef in the Spratly group of islands, showing land reclamation structures

Overview

  • CSIS/AMTI imagery shows Vietnam has added artificial land to every one of its 21 occupied features in the Spratly Islands.
  • Recent photos identify dredging and landfill at Alison, Collins, East, Landsdowne and Petley Reefs, with further expansion at Amboyna Cay, Grierson Reef and West Reef.
  • New buildings consistent with munitions storage have appeared on multiple reefs, and analysts say a runway is likely under construction at Barque Canada Reef.
  • AMTI assesses Vietnam has created about 70% as much artificial land as China to date and is on track to match or surpass Beijing’s total reclamation.
  • China’s foreign ministry condemned the construction as illegal on what it calls its territory and warned it will take steps to safeguard sovereignty, with observers expecting a stronger Chinese defense posture.