The Chinese national government accused the United States (US) of militarizing the South China Sea as they revealed to the media that the US military aircraft and Navy vessels, along with joint exercises involving regional partners were the true reasons why concerns were growing over peace and stability.
The statement of China came just days after Taiwan revealed that Beijing had placed surfac-to-air missiles in the Paracel group of islands in the hotly disputed area. Aside from China, the Paracels were also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.
In an interview with international media, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hong Lei stated that “The actions have escalated tensions in the South China Sea, and that’s the real militarization of the South China Sea,” Hong said.
The United States and Taiwan officials confirmed this week the veracity of reports that there is indeed missiles being placed in the disputed Paracel chain based upon the images provided by a commercial satellite company.