Satellite imagery has surfaced showing how China has upgraded military air bases near Taiwan as the latest clue of potential invasion plans.
Three bases in Fujian Province along China’s southeast coast have been upgraded or reinforced with improved defenses that could intensify Chinese efforts in the event of an air conflict with Taiwan.
The pictures come after the Air Force of the People’s Liberation Army from 1.
Taken over the Longtian, Huian and Zhangzhou bases, the pictures show the construction of storage bunkers, expanded aprons and new administration buildings.
The images, captured by Planet Labs and first published by the US automotive and military website The Drive, show that construction on the bases, whose infrastructure largely dates back to the 1980s, began in early 2020 and continued throughout the pandemic.
The Longtian Air Force Base has been expanded and adapted for air defense locations. At least five storage bunkers are being built and new administrative buildings have been built.
Longtian Air Force Base (pictured) has been expanded and adapted for air defense locations. At least five storage bunkers are being built and new administration buildings have been built
Based on Huian, the satellite image shows bomb-proof aircraft shelters and hangers of other designs, including three most likely for ammunition storage
A newly constructed air defense area and several new buildings can be seen at Zhangzhou Base, home of the Eastern Theater Command’s air force
The image of the base, taken on October 2nd, also shows an expanded apron and four hardened aircraft shelters under construction. The shelters are directly connected to the runway for quick distribution, according to a label in the picture.
At the nearby Huian base, the satellite image shows bomb-proof aircraft shelters and other types of hangers, including three that, according to Planet Labs, are most likely used for ammunition storage.
A newly constructed air defense area and several new buildings can be seen at Zhangzhou Base, home of the Eastern Theater Command’s air force.
Antony Wong Tong, a Macau military expert, told the South China Morning Post that the upgrades provide clues about how the bases could be used in a possible future conflict with Taiwan.
“Longtian looks like it will be used as an alternate airfield after a massive renovation, while the four new hardened aircraft shelters and the existing 24 functional aircraft shelters at Huian Air Force Base tell us that it will be able to run a full aviation brigade accommodate, “he said.
Reports of the improvements follow previously reported upgrades at other Chinese military bases and come amid mounting tensions between China and Taiwan.
China claims the self-governing island off its east coast as its territory, saying Taiwan must eventually come under its control and reserve the right to use force if necessary, according to AP.
Taiwan sees itself as an independent state. It is recognized as such by a decreasing number of member states of the United Nations, but has informal diplomatic relations with several countries.
The two territories have been ruled separately since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949.
The tensions threaten to drag neighboring countries into conflicts with China in addition to the USA.
The US does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan under the so-called one-China policy, but is legally bound by its own laws to ensure Taiwan can defend itself, AP reported.
Japan no longer recognized Taiwan in 1972, but is an important US ally in the Asia-Pacific region. It resolutely opposes the Chinese advance in the South China Sea.
Earlier this week, Taiwan’s president said the territory would not bow to pressure from Beijing and would defend its democratic way of life.
“The more we achieve, the greater the pressure from China,” said President Tsai Ing-wen in a speech on Taiwan’s national day in the capital Taipei on Sunday, adding, “Nobody can force Taiwan to follow China’s path.” designed for us. ‘
Taiwanese Honor Guards participate in a National Day parade in Taipei on Sunday amid heightened tensions with China
Taiwan’s National Day weekend was a rare demonstration of Taiwanese defense skills in the annual parade, underscoring Tsai’s pledge to withstand China’s military threats
The National Day celebrations were a rare display of Taiwanese defense skills in the annual parade, underscoring Tsai’s promise to withstand China’s military threats.
The President added: “We hope that … relations will relax [with Beijing] and will not act rashly, but there should be absolutely no illusion that the Taiwanese people will bow to the pressure.
“We will continue to strengthen our national defenses and demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves to ensure that no one can force Taiwan to take the path China has given us.”
After Tsai’s election five years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping cut off official communication with Taipei and has since increased economic, diplomatic and military pressure.
The recent flare-up was marked by the surge in flights by Chinese fighter jets and nuclear-weapon bombers into Taiwanese ADIZ earlier this month.
Taiwan’s ADIZ isan area in which all foreign aircraft must identify themselves and state their intentions.
It differs from the island’s sovereign airspace, which extends over a smaller area 12 nautical miles offshore.
Taipei said it messed up fighters, broadcast radio alerts and activated missile defense in response. A short time later, the Chinese planes turned back.
In addition to mounting tensions, China on Saturday warned the US of its involvement in Taiwan, claiming the island’s “weak and cowardly” authorities would accept reunification.
