Spratlys Get Even More Dangerous for Hams

The Spratly Islands
(Map courtesy CIA World Factbook)

The Spratly Islands in the South China Sea have long been on ham radio DXers' most-wanted lists, and getting there to operate has always been dangerous because of competing claims to the islands by various countries. Now, the Associated Press reports that China has "fully militarized" at least three of the islands in the region, quoting a top U.S. military commander as saying the islands have been equipped with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, fighter jets and laser and jamming equipment. According to U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. John C. Aquilino, this is part of what he describes as China's largest military buildup since World War II. DXpeditions to the area are strongly discouraged…