China may build airfield on disputed South China Sea island

[mota bhai 2,675]

China ... may soon build a military facility on the disputed Johnson South Reef to expand its scope in the region, according to Duowei News, an outlet run by overseas Chinese.

The reef, part of the contested Spratly islands in the South China Sea, is currently under Chinese administration but also claimed by Vietnam. It belongs to Sansha prefecture, a prefecture-level city of southern China's Hainan province established in 2012, comprising the Spratly islands, the Paracel islands and the Macclesfield Bank. The entire Chinese territory is disputed.

Citing military experts, Duowei said that China may soon construct a new airfield on Johnson South Reef to increase its force projection ability over the South China Sea region.

According to the report, China has learned valuable lessons from the Johnson South Reef Skirmish with Vietnam in 1988, when Beijing found that it would be close to impossible to drive Vietnam out of the Spratlys without a strong air force.

After its victory in the 1988 skirmish, China occupied six reefs and atolls in the Spratly islands, including John South Reef. However, Vietnam still controls 29 islands in the Spratly chain. China will now look to build an airfield for the PLA Navy, Duowei said, while it will be necessary to send warships to complete the project amid the territorial tensions.

http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140504000058&cid=1101

[LibCampFireClub 635]

So, when are you moving there?

[Jacque67 7,328]

So, when are you moving there?

I think you would prefer it there. You can escape American propaganda and even take a Christmas tree with you. Heaven indeed.

[LibCampFireClub 635]

I think you would prefer it there. You can escape American propaganda and even take a Christmas tree with you. Heaven indeed.

Sounds inviting, but more a more fun place is dropping water balloons filled full of cod wallop on your head from high places.

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

Sounds inviting, but more a more fun place is dropping water balloons filled full of cod wallop on your head from high places.

Now that's a bit mean...are you flirting?

[LibCampFireClub 635]

Now that's a bit mean...are you flirting?

Awww, dammit. You caught me. I ate from that tree. I did indeed. It was the snake who told me it was good.

[Jacque67 7,328]

Now that's a bit mean...are you flirting?

Not smart enough. He can't discern between sushi and sashimi, poor thing!

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

Now is when I go have a drink at the bar.......