"We have the capability to counter this type of surface-to-air missiles," a U.S. defense official told VOA.
"We're [in the South China Sea] strengthening principal order and upholding international law. That won't change," another official told VOA on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.
The ImageSat International (ISI) imagery published this week showing advanced surface-to-air missiles on the disputed Woody Island in the South China Sea has "concerned" the Pentagon, according to Department of Defense public affairs officer Bill Urban.
China's HQ-9 air defense system — which is the one photographed at Woody Island, officials tell VOA — has a range of about 200 kilometers, or about 125 miles.
Analysts say that would make it the most advanced long-range air defense missile system deployed to an island in the South China Sea. Such a system represents a big threat to airplanes flying nearby...
[voanews.com]
17/2/16
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China Accuses US of Militarizing South China Sea ...
ReplyDeleteChina on Friday accused the U.S. of militarizing the South China Sea, just days after it was revealed Beijing had deployed surface-to-air missiles on an island in the hotly disputed area.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters that patrols by U.S. military aircraft and Navy vessels, along with joint exercises involving regional partners were the true reason why concerns were growing over peace and stability.
“The above actions have escalated tensions in the South China Sea, and that's the real militarization of the South China Sea,” Hong said.
U.S. and Taiwanese officials this week confirmed commercial satellite images showing the missiles placed on Woody Island in the disputed Paracel chain.....http://www.voanews.com/content/ap-china-accuses-us-of-militarizing-south-china-sea/3197818.html
19/2/16