Satellite imagery of Subi Reef in the South China Sea taken September 3, 2015 clearly shows subgrading for a runway. At a width of approximately 60 meters, the subgrading could support a runway equal in width to that recently constructed by China at Fiery Cross Reef. The current extent of subgrading at Subi is approximately 2,200 meters, with obvious preparations for a longer span underway. As previously reported, the size and shape of China’s land fill at Subi could ultimately accommodate a runway 3,300 meters long, as well as a parallel taxiway like that at Fiery Cross. No laying of pavement is observed in the current imagery.
South China Sea: Satellite Imagery Makes Clear China’s Runway Work at Subi Reef
ADIZ, Air Defense Identification Zone, Artificial Islands, China, Militarization, Military Conflict, Philippines, Reclamation, Regular Patrols, South China Sea Dispute, Spratlys, Subi Reef, USA