Vietnam has sharply increased its construction of artificial islands in the disputed Spratly Islands, with several featuring military infrastructure.

Recent satellite images, collected by the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), show that Vietnam has expanded construction to eight previously untouched reefs.

As a result of this move, all 21 reefs and low-tide elevations Vietnam occupies in the region now contain artificial land, a significant rise from four years ago, when many featured only isolated structures.

Prior data from CSIS indicated that, as of March 2025, Vietnam had created roughly 70 percent as much artificial land as China in the Spratlys.

These developments suggest Hanoi is on track to match, and possibly exceed, Beijing’s scale of island-building activities across the archipelago.

Military Facilities, Airstrip

CSIS noted that Vietnam’s infrastructure upgrades have a clear military focus. Several reefs now host munitions storage, hardened buildings, and other structures arranged in an identical pattern.

While some reefs may be too small for full-length runways, the Barque Canada Reef in the southern Spratlys is a potential candidate for an airstrip, joining Vietnam’s existing airstrip on one of the islands.

The organization noted that these features could enhance the Southeast Asian government’s operational reach and logistical capabilities in the contested waters.

‘Inherent’ Chinese Territory

Vietnam’s accelerated reclamation efforts raised concerns among other claimants and regional stakeholders.

Observers also warned that the developments could shift territorial balances and influence strategic dynamics in the South China Sea, highlighting Hanoi’s intent to strengthen its military and logistical presence across the Spratlys.

The Chinese government also criticized Vietnam for its recent projects. “The Nansha (Spratly) Islands are China’s inherent territory,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Guo Jiakun stated.

“China firmly opposes construction activities by relevant countries on illegally occupied islands and reefs and will take necessary measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”