China’s rival Taiwan revealed to the media on Wednesday, February 17 that the communist country, China has deployed surface-to-air missiles in the hotly-disputed South China Sea as Beijing insisted it had a right to build “self-defense” systems in the vital shipping lanes in the world.
Photo Credit: ImageSat and BBC News
Fox News reported ealier that missile launchers had arrived on Woody Island, part of the Paracels chains, in the disputed South China Sea. The Defense Ministryof Taiwan confirmed the existence of the facility in the Paracels, the report came as US President Barack Obama called for “tangible steps” to reduce tensions in the South China Sea.
Basep upon the news article of Fox News, evidences of China’s buildup shows that the communist regime brought to Woody Islands two batteries of 8 missile launchers and a radar system which caused concerns in the international communities. The missiles appeared to be the HQ-9 air defense system, with a range of about 200km (125 miles), according to reports.
Fox News said Tuesday, February 16, that images showed two batteries of 8 missile launchers and a radar system had arrived on Woody Island, the Paracels’ main island.
The Asian superpower China already made provocative acts in the South China Sea as they transformed some contested reefs in the disputed Spratlys into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities.
According to the latest statement of the United States the move of China threatens free passage in a strategically vital area and has sent warships to sail close to the disputed islands to assert freedom of navigation, raising fears of escalation.