Assessments

The deployment of electronic warfare equipment is notable because it could be used to harass and jam electronic equipment belonging to various actors in the South China Sea, including the United States.

As China continues its push for control of the region, satellite imagery shows the deployment of new tools, including specialized equipment for electronic warfare.

What Beijing Is Building in the South China Sea

As China continues its push for control of the region, satellite imagery obtained by Stratfor shows the deployment of new tools, including equipment for electronic warfare, to the Spratly Island chain in the South China Sea.

What is Beijing Building in the South China Sea?

China

China in Transition

Since China began its extensive land reclamation program in the South China Sea in 2013, Beijing has focused on improving its presence and infrastructure at seven locations in the Spratly Island chain: Cuarteron Reef, Fiery Cross, Gaven, Hughes, Johnson, Mischief and Subi reefs. Of the seven locations, the Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi reefs received particular attention in the form of large-scale airfields built there. Over time, China has also added harbors, barracks, radar and other sensors. This is in addition to communications equipment, storage bunkers and general infrastructure installed across all seven islands. Stratfor partners at AllSource Analysis have provided imagery that confirms mobile electronic warfare (EW) equipment was recently deployed to Mischief Reef.

ASSESSMENTS

What Beijing Is Building in the South China Sea