Warships and fighter jets of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy take part in a military display in the South China Sea April 12, 2018. Picture taken April 12, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer
Reuters: China building on new reef in South China Sea, think tank says
China has installed a new platform on a remote part of the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea which could be used for military purposes, according to recent satellite images reviewed by a U.S. think tank.
The strategic waterway is claimed almost in its entirety by China, whose continued building of military and other installations on artificial islands and reefs there has unnerved the region and angered Washington.
The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies said the images showed a “modest new structure” on Bombay Reef, topped by a radome and solar panels.
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MIDDLE EAST
US targets Iran-Russia network over oil sent to Syria.
Iraqi town fearful as battle against IS rages next door.
85,000 children under 5 may have died of starvation in Yemen war.
Saudi Arabia tortured activists including women, rights groups claim.
Turkey hands list of Gulen suspects to US, requests extradition.
Israeli minister says 'time limited' for Hamas Gaza leader.
Matthew Hedges: British academic accused of spying jailed for life in UAE.
ASIA
Victims recount horror of deadly Kabul blast as toll rises.
China building on new reef in South China Sea, think tank says.
US says China hacking increasing ahead of Trump-Xi meeting.
Irate Pakistan warns Trump remarks may "undermine" Afghan peace efforts.
U.S., South Korea hold first working group meeting on North Korea.
Indebted Maldives sending envoy to China.
American believed killed by isolated tribe on Indian island.
AFRICA
African G5 force 'better' than UN's in Mali: Mauritania's Aziz.
Boko Haram kills Nigerian Army commander, dozens of soldiers.
Cameroon army, secessionists complicit in violence on civilians - UN.
Cameroon army frees kidnapped students.
Campaigning for critical election opens in crisis-wracked DR Congo.
Madagascar presidential candidate withdraws fraud complaints.
Dozens of migrants forced off boat in Libya after standoff.
Angola still waiting for promised 'economic miracle'.
EUROPE
Brexit: May heading to Brussels amid scramble to finalise deal.
British, EU leaders to meet as Brexit deadline looms.
Interpol presidency vote: Russia in surprise loss to South Korea.
EU calls on Hungary to explain asylum for former Macedonian prime minister.
EU begins disciplinary procedures against Italy after rejecting its controversial budget plans.
Greece: Creditors approve U-turn on pension cuts.
Angela Merkel defends policy in Bundestag debate.
European privacy search engines aim to challenge Google.
AMERICAS
Trump praises Saudi Arabia amid pressure over ally.
Trump says he plans to make his first visit to a war zone.
Trump team turns over written answers to Mueller’s questions.
California fire death toll rises to 81.
Caravan spotlights immigration tensions in Mexico.
Colombia's victims of sexual violence finally get their day in court.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Horror of Islamic State revealed as Iraq, Syria reclaim occupied lands.
Number of Sunni militants have quadrupled since 9/11 terror attacks, US think-tank claims.
CIS countries establish exchange of information on IS, Al Qaeda.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
World economy to slow down in 2019 due to trade wars: OECD.
US says China has 'not altered' unfair trade practices.
US adviser hints at evicting China from WTO.
Mark Zuckerberg says he will NOT resign and stands by Sheryl Sandberg but admits Facebook was wrong to use lobbyists to smear critics by calling them anti-semitic and linking them to George Soros.