China has conducted another test of its newly built runway on the Fiery Cross Reef in the disputed Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands) in the South China Sea.

On Wednesday, two civilian aircrafts landed on the Yongshu Jiao airfield at 10:21 a.m. and 10:46 a.m. local times respectively, Xinhua reported. The planes returned to Meilan Airport in Haikou, Hainan Province, where they came from in the afternoon of the same day.

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Although the models of planes used used in the mission were not specifically identified, they were descibed as civilian aircrafts and the test is said to have been successful. The test landing apparently proves that the new airport has the “capacity to ensure the operation of large civilian aircraft.”

Despite the fact that China says it has no hostile intent in constructing the airfield, which is capable of having large-sized aircraft, other nations with competing claims in the region raised alarm when the project got underway and after the first flight landing test.

Over the weekend, China carried out its first test of the runway and this sparked protests from Vietnam and the Philippines. Both countries, among others, have claims in the said disputed territory.

China, however, has called for a break in the geographical contest, saying the airport signifies “a breakthrough in ocean exploration for humankind.”

Due to its location, the airport can be helpful to what could be a base for maritime research and conservation, in that it will aid in search and rescue, disaster prevention, disaster reduction, and navigation safety.

However, the United States has a different opinion on what could possibly happen, according to Reuters. The U.S. states that China could use the new airfield for military purposes despite China's public announcements aimed at promoting peace and stability.

This is because the runway at the airfield is a 3,000-meter stretch capable of handling long-range bombers, transport aircraft and jet fighters.

The new airport is one of three that China has been building for more than a year. It was constructed by dredging sand up onto the reefs and atolls to create a large surface area.