China’s military plane Landing on Disputed South China Sea Reef

China has landed a military aircraft on one of its manmade islands in the disputed South China Sea to evacuate three injured workers from the reef.

It is thought to be the first time China’s military has publicly admitted of landing a plane on the artificial island, known as Fiery Cross Reef.

China and several of its neighbours are locked in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety.

China has previously landed civilians planes on Fiery Cross Reef, sparking criticism from Vietnam, who also claims the territory, and the US.

Beijing says it is building artificial islands and structures on reefs for civilian purposes, but other countries have expressed concern over the possibility of the facilities being used for military purposes.

The US has said China’s island-building aggravates regional tensions and prevents vessels from navigating freely though the area.