US media report Chinese missile deployments in disputed South China Sea islands
YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles can strike ships within 295 nautical miles. HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missiles, drones and cruise missiles can hit within 160 nautical miles. For US Admiral, “China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the United States”.
Washington (AsiaNews) – Beijing has deployed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three of its outposts in the Spratly Islands in South China Sea, which are the centre of an international dispute, this according to US media, citing US intelligence sources.
The move, if confirmed, would mark the first Chinese missile deployments in the Spratly Islands where several of its Asian neighbours, including Vietnam and Taiwan, have rival claims.
Taking advantage of the ambiguity of international law, Beijing claims most of the sea (almost 85 per cent). In addition to the Spratly, China’s claim includes the Gulf of Tonkin (disputed by Vietnam and China), the Paracel Islands (disputed by Vietnam, China, and Taiwan), the Scarborough Shoal (disputed by the Philippines, China and Taiwan).
To ensure the control of important maritime routes that cross these waters (more than a third of global trade), the Chinese government has started building a series of artificial islands, with military installations and lighthouses. Beijing has even imposed unilateral fishing bans.
CNBC has reported that China has also deployed missiles on Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef within the past 30 days.
Although Beijing has not yet announced the deployment, it has always claimed that its military installations on the Spratly are defensive and that it has the right to do whatever it wants on its own territory.
Analysts note that such a move was expected after China built anti-aircraft shelters on coral reefs last year and deployed similar missile systems on Woody Island, further north.
CNBC said the YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles allow China to strike any vessels within 295 nautical miles. It added the HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missiles could target aircraft, drones and cruise missiles within 160 nautical miles.
US Admiral Philip Davidson, head of the US Pacific Command, said last month China’s “forward operating bases” in the South China Sea appeared complete.
“The only thing lacking are the deployed forces,” he said. Once these were added, “China will be able to extend its influence thousands of miles to the south and project power deep into Oceania”.
Davidson said China could use the bases to challenge the US regional presence and “would easily overwhelm the military forces of any other South China Sea-claimants”.
“China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the United States,” he said.
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12/02/2016 15:14
09/04/2022 14:40
