Taiwan has alleged that
china has deployed surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island in the South
China Sea.
Satellite images taken
on February 14 and published by news media appear to show two batteries of
eight missile launchers and a radar system on Woody or Yongxing Island in the
paracels.
The presence of
missiles would significantly increase tensions in the acrimonious South China
Sea dispute.
China’s foreign
minister, Wang Yi said reports were a western media invention.
Taiwan’s Defence
Ministry said it had "learned of an air defence missile system
deployed" by the Chinese on woody island.
Taiwan would not say
how many missiles had been deployed or when, but said they would be capable of
targeting civilian and military aircraft.
A US Defence official
confirmed the deployment. US President, Barack Obama said the members had
discussed the need for "tangible steps" to reduce tensions, including
"a halt to further reclamation, new construction and militarization of disputed
areas".
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