Image courtesy of the Heritage Foundation: http://www.heritage.org/asiaoffice/spratly/page3.html
In March of 1988, China sank three Vietnamese vessels, killing 72 Vietnamese in the process. This maritime victory for China led to their capture of Fiery Cross Reef. The US Defense Mapping Agency claims that Fiery Cross Reef is 14 nmi long and it is submerged at high tide. The Chinese converted this reef into a supply base with a pier capable of docking large 4,000 ton ships and it has helicopter landing pads. Besides serving as a naval base for China, it serves as an oceanographic observation station that is equipped with the latest satellite monitoring equipment. The station serves as a communication center for passing planes and ships and it transmits meteorological data to the area. The Fiery Cross Reef station serves as the headquarters for all of the Chinese constructions in the Spratly Island group. (Valencia, Van Dyke & Ludwigp. 22)