Xi Jinping Sends Lunar New Year Greetings to PLA
In a video message on Wednesday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping extended holiday wishes to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) while inadvertently confirming the existence of a cyberwarfare facility at Fiery Cross Reef in the contested Spratly Islands of the South China Sea.
In a rather striking moment, Xi praised the People’s Liberation Army Cyberspace Command, which was met with a salute from key officials stationed at the reef. They expressed a readiness for action, emphasizing their commitment to defend China’s positions in the South China Sea.
Xi responded by urging effective management of soldiers’ tasks and living conditions. Interestingly, the public acknowledgment of the Cyberspace Force only came last September during a military parade celebrating China’s World War II victory. Analysts speculate that this specialized unit may officially join the PLA as a distinct entity in 2024, though it has maintained a low profile until now.
Fiery Cross Reef, also referred to as Yongzhou Reef by China, is located in a region where Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan also assert territorial claims. Despite international rulings, China has occupied these islands, expanding them to support permanent installations. Initially, Beijing portrayed these infrastructures as benign marine research facilities, even as environmentalists raised concerns about potential ecological harm from such construction projects.
The equipment showcased by the People’s Liberation Army Cyberspace Force during the upcoming 2025 military parade focuses on battlefield intelligence and counter-drone measures, raising alarms regarding security in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
Recent satellite images analyzed by the Asian Maritime Transparency Institute (AMTI) indicated that China is preparing to militarize Antelope Reef in the Paracel Islands, which are situated around 400 miles off the coast of Vietnam, a territory claimed during a 1974 conflict with China.
According to AMTI, the facilities in both the Spratly and Paracel Islands could enable China to enforce maritime management strategies, mobilizing large fleets of fishing vessels into extensive formations. These “walls” of boats might serve to obstruct shipping routes, laying the groundwork for possible future military actions against Taiwan.
In December, AMTI observed significant upgrades to radar systems at Fiery Cross and other reefs. These enhancements could empower the Chinese government to challenge others’ use of the electromagnetic spectrum during conflicts.
