Spratly Islands: China's next step in the South China Sea conflict

The Chinese navigation services have installed three radio lanterns in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, facing the claims of the Philippines. At the heart of this conflict are the Spratly Islands, where territorial claims reinforce the tensions between the two Asian countries.

According to information provided by the Chinese Ministry of Transport on Wednesday, three navigation signs were placed at strategic points in the Spratly Islands: Irving Reef, Whitson Reef, and Gave Reef. This island, reef and rock archipelago is a region of continuous territorial disputes.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Transport, setting up a radio beacon is aimed at "increasing the safety of navigation and maritime operations". Such action undoubtedly increases China's control in the disputed territory with which the Spratly Islands are closely linked.

The Philippines also did not lag behind, placing navigation buoys at the beginning of this month, decorated with national flags, in its exclusive economic zone. They were also found on Whitsun reef, which belongs to the archipelago of the Spratly Islands, where in 2021 they docked hundreds of Chinese ships, which sparked huge controversy.

Tensions are constantly growing on these key maritime trade areas of the South China Sea. China maintains that almost the entire South China Sea belongs to their territory, however these claims are contested not only by the Philippines, but also by Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia. Against this difficult and dynamic geopolitical background, each of these countries is trying to strengthen its position.

Source: Reuters/MD