# Chinese work gathering pace on Antelope Reef

> China builds runway on Antelope Reef, key South China Sea base.
- Title: Chinese work gathering pace on Antelope Reef · The Japan Times
- Summary: China builds runway on Antelope Reef, key South China Sea base. China completes runway on Antelope Reef by mid-2027, strengthening military control in…
- Keywords: chinese, antelope reef, south china sea, runway, military control, paracels archipelago, news, politics, world, work, gathering, pace
- Source: The Japan Times — https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/03/asia-pacific/chinese-antelope-reef-south-china-sea
- Author: Greg Torode
- Published: 2026-10-03T01:24:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chinese, antelope reef, south china sea, runway, military control, paracels archipelago, news, politics, world
## Construction progress
Chinese construction of a runway on Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago is well underway.
## Completion estimate
Analysts estimate the runway could be completed by mid-2027.
## Military significance
The runway strengthens Beijing’s military control over the disputed South China Sea.
## Satellite evidence
Satellite images show grading work, gravel piles and compaction cranes in operation.
## Infrastructure progress
The images also show a fully loaded gravel barge heading to a newly built wharf.
## Key takeaway

China completes runway on Antelope Reef by mid-2027, strengthening military control in disputed South China Sea.