Washington: A United States think Tank reported on yesterday, Monday, 22nd February, that the recent Satellite Images disclosing that the China may be installing a high- frequency radar system in the Spratly Island which can significantly boost its ability in controlling the disputed South China Sea.
The Centre for Strategic and International Studies of the Asian Maritime Transparency Initiative at Washington, said that the aforementioned images are showing that the construction of facilities at Cuarteron Reef has appeared nearly completed and also it is sought to be mentioned by it that the said artificial island is now covered an area of about Fifty- two acres.
As per the report, there are two probable radar towers have been built on the northern portion of the feature. And also it says that there is a number of 65- foot poles have been erected across a large section of the southern portion, as stated by the report. It is sought to mention by the report that the said poles could be a high- frequency radar installation. And such radar system would be raising ability of the China to monitor surface and air traffic across the southern portion of the concerned South China Sea.
However, when China was requested to comment on this issue, the Foreign and Defence ministries of China did not immediately responded. As per the report, the China has appeared to have constructed a buried bunker and lighthouse on the northern portion. This report is based its analysis on Satellite images which were taken from January to February. It was also seen that the Vietnam and United States, in the last week, found expression concerned at deployment of advanced surface- to- air missiles by China on the Paracels. Moreover, it was also pointed that probable radars at Gaven, Hughes and Johnson South Reefs in the Spratlys as well as helipads, and to possible gun emplacements at the former two features.
Previously, China has operated radars on Fiery Cross, however, the present probable radar system will offer it far more extensive coverage, as said by Regional Military Analysts.