Chinese H-6 bombers seen on Woody Island, what are the plans of dragon?

China has sent H-6 long distance bombers to its strategic military base Woody Island in the disputed Parasel Islands. It is being seen as a power display before the influential regional security conference Shangri-La Dialogue to be held in Singapore. The satellite photographs taken by American company Maxar Technologies between May 17 and May 23 confirmed that at least two H-6 bombers are present on the island, as well as the KJ-500 Airborn Early Warning Airplane and Y-20 cargo aircraft. The deployment reflects Beijing’s effort to establish control over the disputed South China Sea and reflect the regional rivals and the strategic intentions on the United States.

Defense leaders such as US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and French President Emmanuel Macron were deployed just a few days before the speech of the Shangri-La dialogue, which has raised doubts about the deliberate message of Beijing. The purpose of this action is to strengthen China’s military presence and preventive power in view of increasing tension in the region. Woody island, called Yonguxing Island in Chinese, is the largest island in the Parasel islands and has long been a significant axis in Beijing’s regional disputes. The island has a 3,000 meter long runway, fortified hangar and radar facilities, the center of China’s South China Sea militaryization. The region is partially claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam and Beijing has maintained real control over it since the 1970s.

China has claimed sovereignty over all except a few miles of the South China Sea, which was rejected by the 2016 International Tribunal’s decision under the United Nations Maritime Law Conference (UNCLOS). Disregarding global criticism, Beijing has emphasized on expanding its military appearance through island-building and advance deployment.

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