A decade after an arbitration court ruled against China's expansive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, tensions in the region continue to escalate. China has increased pressure on the Philippines over disputed territories, notably advancing its infrastructure on Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands.
Aerial photographs from November 2024 and June 2026, provided by the CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Vantor, and Planet Labs, reveal China's construction of a port and a 3,000-meter runway on the reef, underscoring efforts to solidify its presence in the contested waters.
The situation reflects broader challenges to the rule of law in the region, with U.S. military activities elsewhere also cited as factors potentially undermining international legal frameworks.
The developments were highlighted in a hearing held on Monday, July 13th, 2026, involving key actors such as China, the Philippines, and maritime monitoring organizations.
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