J-11B at Yongxing Island, South China Sea.

China showcases jet fighters at South China Sea island

Source: Global Times
Editor: Huang Panyue
Time: 2017-12-01


The official Chinese media's broadcast of Chinese J-11B fighters entering a sealed hangar in the Xisha Islands showcases China's improving air and sea control of the South China Sea, a Chinese military expert said.

Footage aired by China Central Television (CCTV) on Wednesday for the first time confirmed deployment of the fighter aircraft in a hangar on Yongxing Island.

The footage was broadcast in a CCTV report on People's Liberation Army Air Force drills to improve its nautical combat capability.

Yongxing Island, the largest of the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea, is also the seat of the Sansha city government of South China's Hainan Province.

With a 3-kilometer runway, the airport in Yongxing Island is an important dual-use airport in the South China Sea area, the CCTV report said.

The thermostabilized hangar boosts the jet fighters' durability and resistance to the island's humidity and high temperatures.

More importantly, the special hangar helps to realize regular deployment of fighter jets in the Xisha Islands, TV commentator Song Zhongping told the Global Times on Thursday.
"Other islands in China could also use such aircraft hangars and China's overall control of air and sea in the South China Sea would be greatly improved as well," Song said.

China will enhance its capability to safeguard its legal rights in the South China Sea through military and legal enforcement channels, Song noted. "Legal enforcement channel" means Chinese fighters intercepting foreign aircraft flying over the South China Sea, he said.

Two Chinese J-10 fighter jets intercepted a US Navy surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea in May, CNN news website reported.

China's Ministry of National Defense later said that the fighters were sent to identify the US warship, warn and expel it.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Photos of the day: Fuel stop at Yong Xing Island, South China Sea

With three external fuel tanks, it seems that the JH-7 fighter-bomber has the range to reach out to Yong Xing Island.

Just in case you're wondering, they are from the 31st Regiment, 11th PLAAF Air Division, Shenyang Military Region.   Shanyang Military is bordered by North Korea.  Perhaps they are vacation, wanting some sun and sand!

Saturday, January 03, 2015

Photos of the day: Yong Xing Island, South China Sea, Vacation spot.

Wifi included.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Photos of the Yong Xing Island

YongXiang island 永兴岛 (woody island) is the main island of the Xisha islands (Paracel islands) in the South China Sea. It is approximately 2.1 square kilometers in size.

It is home to the PLAN Marine Xisha Island Garrison (battalion size) and a civilian emergency rescue center. It has an artificial harbor that can accommodate ships up to 5000 tone and a modern 2350 meters runway that can support a Boeing 737 class transport.

It has no fresh water source, so a water slide park is out of the question.