PLAN SCS Bases/Islands/Vessels (Not a Strategy Page)

Geographer

Geographer

Junior Member
It doesn't look like any of the existing lighthouses. A lighthouse is small, round, tall, and painted white for maximum visibility. This mystery structure is wide, square, and a rusted steel color. You can see it in the background of these photos.

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Geographer

Geographer

Junior Member
It appears so. The center depression remains unfilled while the edge on the north side appear to be finalized, indicating China intends to keep the depression as a water reservoir. This was predicted in early diagrams on Chinese message boards.
 
Zetageist

Zetageist

Junior Member
I have been looking at the reefs occupied and reclamations done by China. Actually China has controlled 12 reefs, more than what media usually mentioned. Count the PRC flags:

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The reclamations were done on its 7 reefs, so it seemed to me that each reef was reclaimed based on its geographic and strategic relevance. Although the importance of the largest 4 natural islands in the Spratlys have diminished significantly since the PRC reclamations, those natural islands may still have their maritime entitlements under UNCLOS. Furthermore, 3 of 4 largest natural islands have airstrips, so I get the feeling that the PRC chose those reefs to garrison and reclaim so that they can continue watching over those 3 islands:

0. Eldad Reef: Is PRC controlling and reclaiming this reef?

1. Gaven Reefs (reclaimed): Watching over Itu Aba Island (0.49 sq km, Taiwan ROC, 1200m runway)

2. McKennan Reef: Philippines media kept saying Chinese is reclaiming it but probably they were mistaken for Hughes Reef since both reefs are close by.

3. Hughes Reef (reclaimed)
4. Hallet Reef
5. Empire Reef
6. Whitsum Reef

7. Johnson South Reef (reclaimed): Monitoring south side activities.

8. Subi Reef (reclaimed): Watching over Thitu Island (0.33 sq km, Philippines, 1300m runway

9. Fiery Cross Reef (reclaimed): Going to be PLA command center HQ with a possible 3000m runway.

10. Mischief Reef (reclaimed): Monitoring east side (Philippines) activities, possible runway.

11. First Thomas Reef

12. Cuarteron Reef (reclaimed): Watching over the Spratly Island (0.15 sq km, Vietnam, 610m runway) and south west region.


spratly-islands-map.jpg


secondmap.png
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J

joshuatree

Captain
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Fiery Cross Reef of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea can now receive 4G mobile signal courtesy of state-owned telecommunications giant China Mobile, reports the PLA Daily, the mouthpiece of the General Political Department of the People's Liberation Army.

China will continue to build 4G base stations across other reefs and islands in the Spratlys in the first half of 2015, the report said, adding that once the stations are in operation mobile download speeds across the archipelago will reach one megabit per second.

The Spratlys are currently covered by 3G mobile signals introduced by China in February 2013.

According to the report, the introduction of 4G mobile speeds will greatly improve the lifestyles of PLA soldiers stationed in the Spratlys. An officer on Fiery Cross was able to use 4G to chat with family via mobile video call on March 16, the report said, adding that the images and audio communication were both clear and uninterrupted.

Reef management authorities have also released a 4G user management manual setting out strict rules for 4G usage times and locations to prevent leaks of sensitive data, the report said....
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