Spy Balloon Linked to Hainan Island

Hainan island is a popular tourist destination known as the "Hawaii of China." It is also a strategically important island for the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Satellite images reveal the Yulin Naval Base on the southern coast of Hainan, which is home to the PLA Navy's South Sea Fleet and the commissioning of China's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong. The base also provides access to the South China Sea and the sea lane linking the Asia-Pacific region with India and the Middle East. It is also home to nuclear-powered ballistic missile and attack submarines, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters. In addition, the island hosts maritime militia, which is a shadow force of supposed fishing boats. Recent satellite images show China is expanding the submarine base with two new piers, adding to the four existing piers. Hainan also hosts the Wenchang Space Launch Site, which is capable of launching the Long March 5 rocket. China has plans to transform Hainan into the world’s largest free trade port by 2035.