China Expands South China Sea Network With 27 Military Bases, Some Capable of Hosting Nuclear Bombers

China has established a network of 27 military outposts in the South China Sea, covering around 3,200 hectares, including airfields capable of accommodating nuclear-capable bombers.

ABC reported the findings, citing satellite imagery analyzed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as part of its Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

The images reveal a substantial expansion of Chinese military infrastructure, which analysts say presents a growing threat to neighboring countries.

At Mischief Reef, for instance, China has built runways, more than 72 hangars for fighter aircraft, air defense systems, anti-ship missile systems, advanced radar installations, and communication facilities.

In May 2025, two Chinese H-6K bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, were spotted on Woody Island in the Paracel chain.

Analysts warn the buildup poses a potential threat to countries including Australia, the United States, and Japan.

China is asserting control over parts of the Coral Sea, citing historical claims such as the so-called “nine-dash line” — a demarcation that is not recognized under international law.

The large-scale reclamation and artificial island-building campaign has led to the destruction of more than 4,000 acres of coral reef, while dredging operations have damaged at least 20,000 additional acres of seabed. Experts have described it as the largest deliberate environmental destruction in recorded history.

Other countries in the region, including Vietnam, have also expanded their military presence. Still, China holds a clear advantage in terms of infrastructure, scale, and strategic execution, allowing it to transform the South China Sea into what analysts describe as a de facto “Chinese lake.”

“What was once an episodic source of tension between China and its neighbors has now turned into a 24/7 coercive campaign, fueled by a massive island-building effort,” said Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

Militarnyi previously reported that Beijing accused Hanoi of building on “illegally occupied” islands and reefs in the region.

A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that the Nansha Islands and Quandao, known internationally as the Spratly Islands, are an “inalienable” part of Chinese territory.