China has constructed a new facility on Fiery Cross Reef in the South China Sea's Paracel Islands, which is suspected to be an early warning radar. This facility may be linked to the military functions of the nearby Andelfinger Shoal, located approximately 14 kilometers to the northeast. China recently built a large artificial island on Andelfinger Shoal, with plans for future additions such as runways, docks, and helicopter landing pads. Experts analyze that Andelfinger Shoal could serve as a base for China to strengthen its military influence in the northern South China Sea. While the Chinese government claims that the construction of Andelfinger Shoal is intended to improve the lives of fishermen, suspicions regarding its military purpose remain.
