China successfully tests two new airfields in the South China Sea

World Today

China successfully tests two new airfields in the South China Sea

China has conducted two successful test flights at new airfields in the South China Sea.

CCTV’s Wu Lei was reports on the flight.

Taking off from Haikou in Hainan province, the flight takes almost two hours to reach its destination. At the same time, another China Southern flight made a successful landing at the newly built airfield on Meiji Reef.

The airspace above South China Sea is one of the busiest in the world. These two airfields will largely improve air traffic services in the South China Sea and provide more public services including aviation Meteorology, emergency landing, disaster relief, environmental protection and scientific research.

Including the airport on Yongshu Reef which went into service in January, China now has three operational airports in the Nansha Islands. In addition to the airports, four lighthouses have been built on the Huayang, Chigua, Zhubi and Yongshu Reefs. Meanwhile, construction of a fifth on the Meiji Reef is nearing completion.

Over the past years, China has constructed many civil facilities and infrastructure including ports, environmental monitoring facilities, light towers on the Nansha Islands, these facilities will help offer aid under any emergency circumstances. Experts have said the move shows China’ determination to fulfill its international responsibilities and commitments to promote development and peace in the region.