China begins constructing new island in South China Sea

Vantor imagery showing Antelope Reef before (left) and after (right) the beginning of dredging and land reclamation. (Satellite image © 2026 Vantor/© 2026 Janes)

Recent satellite images indicate that China has rapidly begun construction activities at another disputed feature in the Paracel Islands known as Antelope Reef, which is currently occupied by China but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

Comparative analysis of images taken in November 2025 and January 2026 reveals a marked transformation of the reef's landscape.

In the image from November 2025, the reef appears largely undisturbed, with only a small existing installation visible along its southeastern edge.

By January 2026, however, new infrastructure has emerged, including a clearly defined access way and roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) berths.

These features suggest preparations for the landing and movement of heavy equipment, which is consistent with large-scale dredging and land reclamation efforts.

Additional imagery from the same period shows dredging vessels operating in the vicinity, along with pipelines and newly formed terrain.

Thus far, there have been no automatic identification system (AIS) signals from these vessels.

However, an examination of several electronic nautical charts indicates that there are at least six AIS Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) around the ongoing construction activities that can be linked back to China.

These developments suggest that China has embarked on an ongoing process of converting the reef into a more permanent structure, likely capable of supporting logistical operations and possibly future military deployments.

The creation of RO/RO berths is particularly notable, as it indicates an intention to facilitate the transport of vehicles and machinery, which could accelerate the pace of construction.

For more information, please see China develops counter-stealth radar on island claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan .