Defense analysis company IHS Jane has released a satellite image of China's completed airstrip on the contested Fiery Cross Reef (known as Yongshu Reef in China). This is the country's first airstrip in the Spratly Islands and experts say it could significantly boost China's surveillance capacity and expansion in the South China Sea.

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The image released by IHS Jane on Thursday, were reportedly taken by the Airbus Defense and Space satellite on Sept. 20. From the photos, the 3,125 meters-long airstrip as well as a runway and helipad markings are clearly visible.

It is unclear how long the airstrip has been under construction. But it is clear that China's construction works in the contested South China Sea is being conducted at a markedly fast pace. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) estimates that China has reclaimed about 3 million square meters of land from Fiery Cross Reef. Over the past two years, China is estimated to have reclaimed more than 2,000 acres of land from seven Spratly islands (Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, Mischief Reef, Gaven Reef, Hughes Reef, Johnson South Reef and Cuarteron Reef).

China is constructing two other similar-sized airstrips on Subi and Mischief Reefs. Experts say the airstrips are large enough to accommodate most of China's military jets. Chinese officials have admitted that civilian as well as some military facilities will be built on the new islands.

Meanwhile, on Friday, President Xi Jinping assured President Barack Obama and the world that China's activities in the Spratly islands are not aimed at "militarization." He reiterated that China has sovereignty over the islands and noted that China's activities in the region "do not target or impact any country."

Not only would China's expansion in the Spratly islands boost the country's defense system and assert the its claims in the area, it could also potentially increase the tension between China and neighboring countries over the ownership of the islands. Filipino officials recently expressed concerns that the completion of China's airstrip on Subi Reef could jeopardize the country's outpost in the nearby Thitu Island. There is also the ever-present possibility of confrontation between Chinese forces and foreign forces conducting reconnaissance  or soldiers from other claimant countries stationed in nearby islands.

TagsFiery Cross Reef Completed Airstrip, Yongshu Reef, yongshu island, Fiery Cross Reef IHS Satellite Image, Mischief Reef