New satellite images show a completed military runway China has built on a reclaimed reef in the disputed South China Sea, which observers say could allow the Chinese military to begin patrols in the hotly-contested waters.

The images, from IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly, come as Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President Barack Obama Friday and said China would respect lawful flights over the area, but claimed territorial sovereignty allowed China to fortify its presence there.

The images taken on September 20 show helipads and a runway that is over 3,000 meters (1.86 miles) long. “The completion of the runway … will allow China to accelerate construction of infrastructure and potentially start air patrols over the Spratly Islands, which are claimed and occupied by a number of countries,” Jane’s said.

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