Changes

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>

In 2018, the PRC installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles on Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands.  The land-based YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles can strike surface vessels within 295 nautical miles.  The long-range HQ-9B surface-to-air missiles have an expected range of targeting aircraft, drones and cruise missiles within 160 nautical miles.

In 2018, the PRC installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles on Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands.  The land-based YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles can strike surface vessels within 295 nautical miles.  The long-range HQ-9B surface-to-air missiles have an expected range of targeting aircraft, drones and cruise missiles within 160 nautical miles.  The PLA has also installed communications jamming and radar equipment.

The same weapons have appeared in satellite images of Woody Island, the PLA military headquarters in the nearby [[Paracel Islands]]<ref>.

The same weapons have appeared in satellite images of Woody Island, the PLA military headquarters in the nearby [[Paracel Islands]]<ref>.