China Boosts Intelligence Reach in South China Sea, Report Says

China has upgraded surveillance and electronic warfare systems across several occupied reefs in the disputed South China Sea as it seeks to strengthen its defenses and expand intelligence capabilities, a new report shows.

Satellite images reviewed by the Washington-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative reveal new radar sites, antenna fields and other hardened structures on outposts in the Spratly Islands. The report, published Tuesday, details the most extensive changes in the past two years at Mischief, Subi and Fiery Cross reefs, where China has added new antenna arrays and reinforced older installations.