China tests two new airports in disputed South China Sea islands

BEIJING: Defying the international tribunal verdict on the South China Sea, China today tested two new airports in the reclaimed islands in the disputed areas.

China tested two airports on the Nansha (Spratly) islands, adding more landing choices for flights across the South China Sea, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

A Cessna CE-680 airplane from the Flight Inspection Centre of the Civil Aviation Administration of China flew between the new airports on the Meiji and Zhubi reefs, it said.

The two airports are capable of handling civil aviation flights and will facilitate transportation, emergency rescue and medical services for people on the island, it said.

China has been reclaiming islands and reefs in the SCS which came under severe criticism of the tribunal appointed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration which struck down Beijing's claims over the nine dash lines in the South China Sea.