China's island-building at Antelope Reef nears completion, infrastructure phase begins

China's ambitious land reclamation efforts at Antelope Reef in the South China Sea appear to be nearing their final stages, according to recent satellite imagery analyzed by researchers. Observations from June 22 show that dredgers within the lagoon of the teardrop-shaped coral atoll have been replaced by cargo barges, a strong indication that the land reclamation phase is nearly complete. This shift suggests a transition towards the next phase of development.

Further evidence of this progression comes from the appearance of four large, blue cylindrical storage silos at a concrete production plant on the reef. Images taken on June 24 indicate that construction is moving into the heavy infrastructure phase, a crucial step in solidifying the artificial island's development. Researchers also noted the firm establishment of a long, reinforced quay in the southwestern corner of the lagoon, significantly enhancing the waterfront infrastructure.

This project, known as Lingyang Jiao in China and Da Hai Sam in Vietnam, saw new dredging commence around October last year, following a hiatus of nearly a decade. An analysis in March estimated that approximately 603 hectares (1,490 acres) of land had already been reclaimed at the reef. The development of this feature is steadily transforming it into China's largest artificial island in the strategically important South China Sea, a move that has drawn attention from regional observers and international bodies.

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This enhances its waterfront infrastructure as the reclaimed feature steadily develops into China’s largest artificial island in the South China Sea.