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A three-part special by Straits Times' foreign correspondents on South China Sea
HOT SPOTS
Use the slider to see construction on the disputed islands
Location: West side of Spratlys
Claimed by: China, the Philippines and Vietnam
What's on it: An airstrip was built by China in 2015. It also houses helipads, air defence guns and possibly has a radar tower under construction.
Source: CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative / DigitalGlobe
Location: North side of the Spratlys
Claimed by: China, the Philippines and Vietnam
What's on it: Until 2014, when China reclaimed land here, Subi was submerged at high tide. An airstrip is being built. Other facilities include a helipad and a lighthouse.
Source: CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative / DigitalGlobe
Location: One of the bigger reefs in the Spratlys
Claimed by: China, the Philippines and Vietnam
What's on it: China has occupied it since 1995. Recent activity hints at the construction of a naval base. Beijing is also reportedly building an airstrip - its third in the Spratlys.
Source: CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative / DigitalGlobe
Location: Western side of the Spratlys
Claimed by: China, the Philippines and Vietnam
What's on it: Satellite images show what looks like a high-frequency anti-stealth radar installation under construction by China. Other facilities include a buried bunker and a helipad. A lighthouse was completed in October 2015.
Source: CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative / DigitalGlobe
Location: Northwest of the Spratly Islands
Claimed by: China, the Philippines and Vietnam
What's on it: A lighthouse which China completed in 2015. It also houses a solar farm, helipad and small harbour.
Source: CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initative/ Digital Globe
Location: Near the centre of the Spratlys
Claimed by: China, the Philippines, Vietnam
What's on it: A large supply platform where ships can dock, helipads, gun emplacements, radar and communications equipment
Source: CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative / DigitalGlobe
Location: At the centre of the Spratlys
Claimed by: China, Vietnam
What's on it: A lighthouse, helipad, radar facility under construction
Source: CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative / DigitalGlobe