New satellite images of the South China Sea shows that Taiwan is constructing what appears to be anti-aircraft gun towers on the Taiping Island which is under its control, according to Taipei newspaper. The China Times.

The Taiping Island, which is also known as Itu Aba Island, is the largest feature in the Spratly group of islands which is being jointly claimed by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and  Taiwan.

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The China Times reported on Monday that satellite images show new construction on the Taiwan-controlled Island. The structures under construction are believed to be anti-aircraft defenses which include gun blockhouse towers.

Four new buildings

At least four new buildings on the island were captured in the satellite images. The US has expressed concerns that these structures could be turned into military facilities as China continues to conduct patrols and engage in military exercises in the maritime region.

According to The China Times, the buildings appear to be about three to four storeys high and are facing the western section of the disputed waterway.

The buildings are reportedly huge; about five to six times larger than the current anti-aircraft weapons system on the island.

Protests

The discovery of the facilities comes as authorities in Taiwan and China are protesting against the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which dismissed China's claims over islands and reefs in the disputed sea under its nine-dash line.

Taiwan's Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan on Tuesday refused to comment on the purpose of the new structures saying it is state secret.

"It is inconvenient for us to ­reveal any military facilities we are installing on Taiping Island and what their purposes are as they are all considered secrets," he told reporters during a legislative session. 

TagsChina Times, South China Sea, Taiping Island, Spratly group of islands, satellite images, arbitral court ruling, military facilities, china, Taiwan