Off the northern boundary of the Spratly Islands, winds howl and waves surge. A Japanese-flagged oil tanker ploughs through these disputed waters in the South China Sea.
The Towa Maru, measuring roughly 340 metres (1,115 feet) long and 60 metres wide, rivals an aircraft carrier in sheer bulk.
A Chinese satellite locks its gaze upon the vessel, 35,800km (22,245 miles) overhead.
Last month, China released a series of undated radar images of the Towa Maru. It marked the first time ever that a…
3 satellites to track all? Chinese radar images confirm US military fears
