China is reportedly expanding Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands, aiming to create a significant artificial island that could enhance its military and naval capabilities in the South China Sea.
In early 2026, international media reported renewed dredging and filling activities near Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands, marking China's first significant artificial island construction project in the South China Sea since 2017. The noteworthy aspect of this endeavor is not just the construction itself but the anticipated size of the artificial island, which, if it proceeds at the current observed pace, could become China's largest structure in the Paracels, potentially exceeding Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands. This enlarged area would enable Beijing to develop facilities similar to those at its key outposts, thereby enhancing its naval and aerial projection capabilities in the northern South China Sea.
