Great threat as China builds radar system in Hoang Sa

(Baonghean.vn) - According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China may be building a high-frequency radio transmission station (radar) on Phu Lam Island - a disputed area in the East Sea.

Together with the establishment of the HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system, this action is believed to pose a major threat to the balance of power between the parties in the East Sea region.

Phu Lam Island - Paracel Islands.

“The construction of the radar facilities is almost complete,” said Gregory Poling, CSIS Asia Maritime Initiative. “China’s actions have raised doubts about its intentions in the South China Sea after the installation of a surface-to-air missile system was detected in early February 2016 on Woody Island in the Paracel Islands. The deployment of the HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system on Woody Island may not change the military balance in the South China Sea. However, with the construction of this new radar system, all activities taking place in this area may change significantly.”

China now claims more than 80% of the South China Sea as its sovereign territory, despite disputes with five neighboring countries. Washington fears that China’s ultimate goal is to eliminate international waters in the South China Sea.

Along with the development of new runways and air defense capabilities in the Spratly Islands area, the radar system "will be part of China's long-term anti-access strategy - one of the measures to establish control of the sea and airspace throughout the South China Sea," Mr. Poling shared.

Thanh Hien

(According to Bloomberg)