China has finished the initial stage of constructing a large artificial island on Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands of the South China Sea, according to satellite images analyzed by multiple outlets.

The feature, previously a submerged reef, now spans approximately 1,500 acres after months of dredging that moved over a million tons of sand. The teardrop-shaped island measures about 3.7 miles long and includes seawalls, internal roads, a deep-water port with a quay capable of berthing warships, and the early stages of a military-grade runway.

Dredgers and barges departed the site after at least six months of work, leaving the outline of the new landmass visible in images dated around August 11. Construction of additional facilities, including piers, a helipad, and buildings, continues at multiple points around the lagoon.

Antelope Reef lies in the northwestern South China Sea and is claimed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Beijing has controlled the Paracels since 1974. Analysts assess the project as part of efforts to expand military capabilities in the region, potentially creating one of China's largest naval bases there.

This development follows a decade-long pause in major island-building after China's earlier reclamation in the Spratly Islands. The rapid pace at Antelope Reef, completed in under a year, highlights Beijing's capacity to alter the maritime landscape quickly.

Regional powers have expressed concerns over the militarization of disputed waters, which affects freedom of navigation and resource claims. Vietnam has responded with its own construction activities at multiple sites in the Spratlys.