The historical landing of a naval patrol aircraft on Yongshu Reef, part of the Nansha Islands, reflects that China's installations in the South China Sea can provide better service in fulfilling the country's humanitarian mission there, analysts said.

The analysts also predicted that the recent tension in the South China Sea will continue, and even escalate, if the United States keeps provoking China.

The patrol aircraft landed on the island on Sunday morning to pick up three construction workers who were seriously ill. It was the first time that a Chinese military aircraft has landed on Yongshu Reef.