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It comes military expert Li Jie warned that China has started preparing its military to support North Korea if World War 3 breaks out with the US.

And now satellite images reveal Chinese activity has been detected on the Spratly and Paracel islands, contested with several other Asian nations, spanning 72 acres (29 hectares).

Over the last several months China has constructed what appears to be a new high-frequency radar array at the northern end of Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratlys, according to a report by the Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Maritime Initiative.

Subi Reef has seen tunnels built which the expert believe may be used for ammunition.

The think tank also believes Chinese tunnels are potentially hiding another radar antenna array and radar domes.