Yet, Hainan is not just about military hardware. Elsewhere on the island, its fishermen are tasked with protecting China's sovereignty through their frequent fishing trips.
In Sanya, a passenger cruise ship has been offering nationalistic tours of the Paracels since 2013.
All these moves are aimed at safeguarding China's interests - and more such measures can be expected in the coming months.
Sansha's deputy mayor Feng Wenhai said in January that the authorities will start to operate civilian flights, build judicial courts and provide full Wi-Fi coverage on Woody Island this year, as the city gears up to celebrate its third birthday.
"Hainan's officials have for years been the most ardent advocates for more aggressive development of the South China Sea," noted Ms Xie. "They often argue that such actions are vital to the defence of China's sovereignty and maritime rights."