China builds 1,500-acre sea fortress: Is Xi preparing new launchpad for Taiwan?

China is rapidly transforming Antelope Reef into a massive artificial island in the disputed South China Sea, raising fresh concerns over Beijing’s expanding military footprint and its ability to project power across the region. Satellite imagery reportedly showed the 1,500-acre outpost taking shape in just 10 months, with a deep-water port, extensive seawalls, roads and a possible 10,000-foot runway. The project has also reportedly created space for large aircraft hangars and a 2,200-foot quay capable of accommodating ships. Antelope Reef is part of the disputed Paracel Islands, which China has controlled since 1974.