A major threat as China builds radar systems in the Paracel Islands.

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

Along with the deployment of the HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system, this action is believed to pose a significant threat to the balance of power between the parties in the South China Sea region.

Phu Lam Island - Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands.

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

Currently, China claims sovereignty over more than 80% of the South China Sea, despite disputes with five neighboring countries. Washington fears that China's ultimate goal is to eliminate international waters in the South China Sea region.

Along with the development of new runways and air defense capabilities in the Spratly Islands region, the radar system "will be a long-term anti-access strategy for China – one of the measures to establish control over the seas and airspace throughout the South China Sea," Poling shared.

Thanh Hien

(According to Bloomberg)