Vietnam is accelerating land reclamation efforts on a strategic reef in the northern Spratly archipelago, strengthening its control in a key sea lane.
The South Reef, known as Da Nam to the Vietnamese, has undergone rapid reclamation over the past two years, growing to over 60ha in land area.
Construction work is ongoing, with dozens of cranes operating non-stop to expand the reef, which is located near a Philippine-occupied island.
The island-building efforts strengthen Vietnam's control in a strategic sea lane.
Author's summary: Vietnam accelerates reclamation work.