The Chinese authorities began construction activities on disputed Paracel Islands situated in the South China sea. This is evidenced by satellite images made by Planet Labs company, Reuters reports.
The agency says that the images show that Chinese workers have engaged in the preparation of a site for a harbour on the North Island. In January, construction works were observed on the other islands of the archipelago.
A spokesman for the Defense Ministry of China said that he was unaware about any activities on the islands. However, as an expert of the University of Lingnan, Zhang Baohua, noted, the proper facilities of the Paracel Islands would allow Beijing to strengthen its position in the South China sea.