China Lands Planes at South China Sea Airfield
from NHK World: China's state-run Xinhua news agency reports that the country has carried out test flights at a new airfield in the South China Sea. The airfield was built on a Chinese-made island in the disputed Spratly Islands.
Xinhua reports that 2 civilian aircraft left an airport on the southern island of Hainan. It adds that after a 2-hour flight, they landed on the airfield at Fiery Cross Reef, and then returned to Hainan.
Xinhua says the test flights prove that the new airfield can handle large civilian aircraft.
Photos claimed to be taken at the airfield are posted online. One of them features dozens of people holding a large banner in front of the 2 planes.
Vietnam, the Philippines, and other parties also have claims to the Spratly Islands. The United States has been expressing concern about China's activities there.
Last Saturday, Vietnam lodged a protest with China over a test flight at Fiery Cross Reef.
China admitted to the test, but argued that it falls completely within China's sovereignty.
Xinhua reports that 2 civilian aircraft left an airport on the southern island of Hainan. It adds that after a 2-hour flight, they landed on the airfield at Fiery Cross Reef, and then returned to Hainan.
Xinhua says the test flights prove that the new airfield can handle large civilian aircraft.
Photos claimed to be taken at the airfield are posted online. One of them features dozens of people holding a large banner in front of the 2 planes.
Vietnam, the Philippines, and other parties also have claims to the Spratly Islands. The United States has been expressing concern about China's activities there.
Last Saturday, Vietnam lodged a protest with China over a test flight at Fiery Cross Reef.
China admitted to the test, but argued that it falls completely within China's sovereignty.
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