China Installs Advanced Anti-Stealth Radar on Strategic Island in South China Sea
China has expanded its military presence in the South China Sea by installing an advanced anti-poaching radar system on Zhongli Island in the disputed Paracel Islands.
According to a report by the British think tank Chatham House, the radar, which can detect stealth aircraft, is strengthening China’s regional surveillance network.
The synthetic pulse aperture radar (SIAR) radar is similar to those installed at other regional Chinese bases, including Subi Reef and Hainan Island.
SIAR operates in the VHF band and uses advanced signal processing to track aerial targets, including stealth aircraft that can evade traditional radar systems.
Experts believe this radar upgrade will fill a large gap between China’s aerial surveillance coverage and other key locations.
J. Michael Dahm, a senior fellow at the Mitchell Institute, explained that these radar systems require overlapping coverage to provide continuous monitoring of the area. Due to its strategic location on Zhongli Island, the radar station enhances China’s ability to detect potential threats.
Satellite images show that a second tower is being built on the island. A large platform appears nearby that serves as a staging area for mobile anti-ship missile batteries.
Triton Island is located close to Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and is rich in oil and gas resources.
In 2014, China sparked a conflict with Vietnam over its attempt to exploit these resources through an offshore oil platform.
While the conflict led China to withdraw its platform, the installation of advanced military technology on the neutral islands reflects China’s continued interest in the region.
Chatham House experts said these new developments could enable China to launch another drilling campaign in the disputed waters. However, China has not yet made an official statement on installing the radar on the neutral islands.
