According to a July 13, 2021 report in ''[[The Washington Times]]:'' "[[China]]'s military recently deployed electronic warning and surveillance aircraft and helicopters on two disputed islands in the South China Sea in what analysts say is a sign that the People's Liberation Army has begun routine air operations from the bases. Satellite images obtained by ''The Washington Times'' show deployments in May and June of PLA KJ-500 airborne warning and control aircraft to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands. Other satellite photos showed the stationing of a Y-9 transport aircraft and Z-8 helicopter to Subi Reef in June and this month. Last year, KQ-200 anti-submarine warfare aircraft were deployed on a third island base on Fiery Cross Reef.<ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jul/13/china-begins-military-flights-disputed-south-china/</ref> | According to a July 13, 2021 report in ''[[The Washington Times]]:'' "[[China]]'s military recently deployed electronic warning and surveillance aircraft and helicopters on two disputed islands in the South China Sea in what analysts say is a sign that the People's Liberation Army has begun routine air operations from the bases. Satellite images obtained by ''The Washington Times'' show deployments in May and June of PLA KJ-500 airborne warning and control aircraft to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands. Other satellite photos showed the stationing of a Y-9 transport aircraft and Z-8 helicopter to Subi Reef in June and this month. Last year, KQ-200 anti-submarine warfare aircraft were deployed on a third island base on Fiery Cross Reef.<ref>https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jul/13/china-begins-military-flights-disputed-south-china/</ref> |