US, Vietnam, Taiwan Oppose China’s Buildup on Triton Island
August 23rd, 2023
By Jiha Ham Christy Lee
Washington —
Satellite images of Triton Island reveal a new structure that experts believe is a part of China’s military expansion meant to support its maritime claims in the South China Sea. The images have sparked protests from the U.S., Vietnam and Taiwan.
Triton Island, part of the Paracel Islands group, has become the latest flashpoint in the disputed region.
China claims the Paracels and the nearby Spratly Islands as its own maritime territories and has been expanding its military installations on the island chains.
Vietnam and Taiwan also claim the Paracels and Spratlys as their island groups. The two countries, with the U.S., are pushing back against Beijing’s maritime expansion in the region now seen by rapid construction of a new structure on Triton.
