Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters this week shows new Chinese installations on an islet near Antelope Reef in the disputed Paracels, shortly after Beijing completed the first phase of an artificial island at the reef — infrastructure analysts say could eventually support a larger military presence. Confrontations with the Philippines are growing more frequent, and Manila is responding by expanding its military drone fleet and deepening defence ties with Washington. Georgi Engelbrecht, Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group, on where the dispute is headed, what it means for Malaysia's quieter approach to Beijing, and whether the long-delayed Code of Conduct is going anywhere.

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