South China Sea dispute: China lands bombers on island

The long-range H-6K bomber was among those which took part in drills on islands and reefs to improve China's ability to "reach all territory".
The sea, a key trade route, is subject to overlapping claims by six countries.
China has been accused of militarising the sea to support its vast claims.
The latest move could provoke new tension in the region.
Beijing's defence ministry did not specify where the bombers landed but said the training involved simulated strikes against sea targets.
An H-6K pilot, Ge Daqing, was quoted in a statement as saying that the training "sharpens our courage and enhances our capabilities in a real war".

Woody Island , which China calls Yongxing, is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.
Although China has deployed fighter jets to Woody Island in the past, this is the first time bombers have landed on a South China Sea island, the AMTI said. It added that an H-6K could reach all of South East Asia from the island.
Analysts say bombers will likely soon land in the Spratly Islands further south, where runways and hangers have been built on reefs.
From there H-6Ks could reach northern Australia or US bases on Guam, says the AMTI.
The US has sailed warships close to artificial islands built by Beijing in the South China Sea to challenge what it sees as Chinese efforts to restrict freedom of navigation in a strategically important area.

A Pentagon spokesman told Reuters news agency that the US "remains committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific".
"We have seen these same reports and China's continued militarisation of disputed features in the South China Sea only serves to raise tensions and destabilise the region," Lt Col Christopher Logan said.
The South China Sea dispute
Sovereignty over two largely uninhabited island chains, the Paracels and the Spratlys, is disputed by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan and Malaysia
China claims the largest portion of territory, saying its rights go back centuries - in 1947 it issued a map detailing its claims
The area is a major shipping route, and a rich fishing ground, and is thought to have abundant oil and gas reserves
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea typically gives states an exclusive economic zone up to 200 nautical miles from their coastline - this would leave most of the Spratly Islands in the territorial waters of the Philippines and Malaysia