Fresh satellite imagery analyzed in January 2026 indicates that China is simultaneously expanding its physical military infrastructure in the Paracel Islands and testing new, large-scale naval denial tactics involving civilian vessels. These dual developments suggest a coordinated effort to solidify control over contested waters and refine logistical operations for potential future conflicts in the region.
Construction at Antelope Reef
The focus of the most recent land reclamation efforts is Antelope Reef, a feature located within the Paracel Islands. Geographically situated roughly 250 miles east of Hue, Vietnam, and 175 miles from China’s own naval facilities on Hainan Island, the reef has historically been a minor sandy formation housing only minimal structures. However, recent observations reveal a significant transformation.
Dredging operations reportedly began in the latter half of October 2025. By early 2026, satellite surveillance captured substantial heavy earth-moving activity. Modifications to the reef include the creation of new infrastructure and access points designed to accommodate roll-on/roll-off vessels. These berths are critical for delivering the heavy machinery required to turn a natural lagoon into a functioning outpost. Maritime analysts suggest that once completed, this new facility could serve multiple military functions, ranging from a helicopter landing site and radar station to a sheltered anchorage for navy and coast guard ships.
A History of Regional Expansion
The region remains a hotbed of competing claims. While China maintains control over areas like the Scarborough Shoal, seized from the Philippines more than a decade ago, Vietnam is also reportedly engaged in strengthening its own infrastructure within the Spratly chain to counter Beijing’s growing reach.
The Rise of the Floating Wall
Beyond static island bases, China has begun demonstrating a dynamic new capability involving the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM). In late 2025 and early 2026, surveillance data tracked massive formations of Chinese fishing vessels assembling in waters northeast of Taiwan.
In late December 2025, approximately 2,000 vessels coordinated to form two immense L-shaped barriers, stretching nearly 290 miles. This maneuver preceded Justice Mission-2025, a People’s Liberation Army exercise designed to simulate a naval blockade of Taiwan. A similar event occurred in January, when 1,400 boats maintained a 200-mile-long formation for over 30 hours. These floating walls represent a complex level of organization, with civilian ships halting their economic activities to act as a unified barrier.
Strategic Utility of the Militia
Experts view the PAFMM as a central component of China’s maritime power projection, often taking precedence over the navy or coast guard in asserting territorial claims during peacetime. The recent swarm tactics highlight how this force could be utilized during active conflict.
According to assessments by U.S. congressional researchers, these fishing fleets are integrated into military planning. In a potential Taiwan contingency, such massive formations could be deployed to choke off shipping lanes, block access to ports, and disrupt commercial traffic. Furthermore, the sheer volume of vessels could overwhelm adversary radar systems with targets, serve as decoys, or provide essential logistical support and reconnaissance for conventional Chinese military forces.
