Military bases that China has built on artificial islands in the South China Sea are too small, too far from the mainland and vulnerable to attack, according to a magazine associated with the Chinese navy.
Naval and Merchant Ships, published by a company that builds Chinese naval vessels, said the sites had a valuable role in asserting Beijing’s claim over the disputed Spratly Islands and in intelligence gathering and reconnaissance.
But it pointed to weaknesses that could render them of little use in a conflict.
"These artificial islands have unique advantages in safeguarding Chinese sovereignty and maintaining a military presence in the deep ocean, but they have natural disadvantages in self-defence,” the magazine said.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The purpose of these island bases is to lay claim to the South China Sea, intelligence gathering and reconnaissance.
More News On A New Report From China Saying Beijing’s South China Sea Military Bases ‘Are Vulnerable To Attack And Will Be Of Little Use In A War’
Beijing's Military Bases in Contested South China Sea Vulnerable to Enemy Attack, Claims Report -- Sputnik
