China will install six optical satellites, two hyperspectral satellites, and two radar satellites over the South China Sea to monitor the contested area in real-time in a new step to uphold its national sovereignty over the contested region.
The satellites will form part of the Hainan satellite constellation system that shall keep an eye on important areas over the disputed waters. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is overseeing the project and all satellites are expected to be operational by 2021.
The program is comprised of three phases. The first phase will see the launching of the first three optical satellites in the second half of 2019 and largely targeted in patrolling all of the areas in the South China Sea. These satellites will have optical remote sensors that can detect both large and mid-size ships traversing through the contested waters. The optical satellites will also have cameras that can watch water conditions on the surface level.
The second phase will see the launching of the two hyperspectral satellites by 2020. These satellites will monitor the underwater conditions. They will be equipped with synthetic aperture radar satellites.
During the third phase, the aperture satellites will then be sent into orbit in space to assess weather conditions and provide high-definition monitoring from space.
Overall, the Hainan satellite constellation system is intended for authorities to respond in real time during emergencies and to improve the exploration and development of resources in the South China Sea, the South China Morning Post reported. Ultimately, the satellites shall defend China's autonomy over the contested region according to Yang Tianliang, director of the academy's Sanya Institute of Remote Sensing.
The Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan have overlapping claims over the South China Sea. Geopolitical relations have not been smooth among these nations, particularly when China exercises its rights to build artificial islands and military facilities in the region. The deployment of military ships and the presence of the United States in the area heightened the already steaming tensions about the disputed region.
Just recently, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte expressed dissatisfaction about China's jurisdiction claim over airspace in the South China Sea according to CNN. The president reacted on recent reports showing Chinese military issuing warning against a Philippine aircraft that hovered over the islands. Duterte asserted the right of innocent passage over open seas.
Duterte would like to request for China to "temper its behavior" in the South China Sea, adding that he is very much willing to avoid any conflict with the country.
