article_snippet.sent: Images reveal Fiery Cross Reef virtually untouched by man-made structures in March 2014 but by March this year, Fiery Cross Reef had been transformed into an artificial island which could be used for military operations.
article_snippet.sent: They follow equally disturbing photographs released earlier this month showing a flotilla of Chinese vessels dredging sand onto another artificially-built island on the nearby Mischief Reef.
article_snippet.sent: Satellite images from August 2014 (pictured) show Fiery Cross Reef as a virtually untouched and beautiful natural sea-structure .
article_snippet.sent: Whereas just seven months later in March this year, dredging ships can clearly be seen around the artificial island which has virtually destroyed Fiery Cross Reef .
article_snippet.sent: The worrying photographs were revealed by security analysts Jane's Defense Weekly who claim building work in Fiery Cross Reef could create space for yet another 3,000m airstrip.
article_snippet.sent: The images showed a paved section of runway 505m by 53m on the northeastern side of Fiery Cross Reef which China began turning into an island with extensive dredging last year.
article_snippet.sent: Before-and-after images from the area show aircraft runways appearing from jungle, solid masses where there was once coral and man-made harbours replacing natural reefs.
article_snippet.sent: Upon boarding a Chinese military vessel for inspection, officials claimed officials found live sharks, clams and illegal reef.
highlights_snippet.sent: Reveals a massive construction effort on Fiery Cross Reef in Spratly Islands .
  