China Deployed Missiles To Disputed Island In South China Sea, Taiwanese And U.S. Officials Claim
Satellite images taken by ImageSat International indicated that a couple of batteries of eight missile launchers, as well as a radar system, were reportedly seen on a disputed island in South China Sea on Friday.
Taiwan and U.S. officials said surface-to-air missiles had been deployed by China on Woody or Yongxing Island in the Paracel Islands, CNN reported. The officials added that the China's act has caused alarm to its neighboring countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi did not contest the claims that missiles had been installed in the disputed island, courtesy of The Guardian.
"As for the limited and necessary self-defence facilities China has built on islands and reefs stationed by Chinese personnel, that is consistent with the self-defence and self-preservation China is entitled to under international law," Wang said. "We believe this is an attempt by certain Western media to create news stories."
USA Today reported that the Chinese official also slammed criticisms against China for putting up lighthouses and weather stations in the disputed South China Sea.
"All of those are actions that China, as the biggest littoral state in the South China Sea, has undertaken to provide more public goods and services to the international community and play its positive role there," Wang stated.
Meanwhile, Taiwan Defense Ministry Spokesman Lou Shou-He revealed their military has collected information regarding the deployment of missiles in the disputed island, adding that they are also keeping an eye for developments.
Lou called out parties concerned with the dispute to work hand in hand towards peace and stability in the region and avoid independent act that would cause tension.
On the other hand, a U.S. Defense official, who refused to be named, claimed they "have seen evidence of surface-to-air missile deployments to Woody Island," via NPR.
U.S. military has allegedly sent surveillance flights around the disputed island, which China sees as a violation.
