Strategic Developments in the South China Sea: China’s Expanding Military Footprint

Recent satellite analyses reveal that China is moving forward with land reclamation efforts on Antelope Reef, located in the Paracel Islands, as it seeks to establish yet another military facility in the South China Sea. This initiative coincides with the deployment of a significant number of fishing vessels intended to bolster operational capabilities in potential conflicts, particularly regarding Taiwan.

Geographic Context

• Antelope Reef Coordinates: 16°27’45”N, 111°35’20”E
• Proximity: Approximately 250 miles east of Hue, Vietnam, and around 175 miles southeast of Sanya Naval Base on Hainan Island.

According to findings from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), China currently operates military installations on 20 islands within the Paracel chain, including sophisticated bases on Woody Island. Historically, this territory was seized from Vietnam in 1974.

Infrastructure Development

Following dredging operations that commenced in mid-October 2025, satellite imagery as of January 2026 indicates considerable transformation at Antelope Reef, including new infrastructure designed for roll-on/roll-off berths. These developments facilitate the arrival of substantial equipment necessary for land reclamation projects.

AMTI classifies Antelope Reef as primarily a sandbar, previously housing only a few structures. Should Beijing convert it into a full-fledged military base, its functions could include acting as a helipad, radar installation, and anchorage for naval and coast guard assets.

Military Presence in the Region

In addition to efforts in the Paracel Islands, China maintains seven military outposts in the Spratly Islands to the south, where it has created approximately 3,200 acres of new land. The strategic control of Scarborough Shoal, seized from the Philippines in 2012, further enhances China’s influence in the region.

Mobilization of Fishing Fleets

China has also employed a unique strategy by mobilizing hundreds of fishing boats to establish extensive “floating barriers.” This tactic first gained attention when approximately 2,000 vessels formed an L-shaped barrier spanning 290 miles from December 25-27, strategically ahead of a major military exercise encircling Taiwan, dubbed Justice Mission-2025.

Further manifestations of this strategy occurred between January 9-12, with around 1,400 boats creating a 200-mile-long network for over 30 hours. Such formations illustrate an unprecedented level of coordination and enable China to assert control in disputed maritime territories. The mobilization and assembly of these vessels reflect complex operational capabilities.

Role of the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia

The People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM) plays a critical role in these maneuvers, acting as a significant element of China’s maritime strategy. A U.S. Congressional Research Service report from May 2025 highlighted that the PAFMM is increasingly viewed as central in enforcing maritime claims, arguably eclipsing the functions of China’s navy or coast guard in this context.

The PAFMM’s dual role in peacetime and wartime includes:

• Advancing Maritime Territorial Claims: Conducting reconnaissance efforts and asserting control over contested areas.
• Supporting Combat Operations: Providing logistical assistance to PLA forces and disrupting maritime traffic through blockades and barriers.

During a potential Taiwan scenario, these floating barriers could be utilized to obstruct key shipping routes, hinder naval operations, and create confusion for any adversaries.

Conclusion

The ongoing developments in the South China Sea underscore China’s strategic intent to expand its military presence and enhance its operational capabilities in contentious maritime zones. The coordinated use of fishing fleets to create barriers exemplifies an innovative approach to asserting control and underscores the complexities of regional security dynamics. Defense analysts must monitor these evolving tactics closely, as they may have profound implications for regional stability and international maritime law.