New satellite images has showed that China has significantly strengthened its military capabilities on contested islands in the South China Sea, a move that may increase tensions with its neighbours and the U.S.
A report from the U.S. think tank the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative said in Beijing on Thursday.
The images showed what appeared to be anti-aircraft guns and other weapons systems at each of the seven artificial islands China earlier had constructed in the South China Sea’s Spartly archipelago.
“The construction works shows that Beijing is serious about defence of its artificial islands in case of an armed contingency in the South China Sea.
“Among other things, they would be the last line of defence against cruise missiles launched by the U.S. or others against these soon-to-be-operational air bases,’’ the report said.
However Beijing has yet to respond to the report’s findings.
A Chinese Air Force spokesperson said recent drills in the South China Sea are regular, routine military activities, responding to media reports that Chinese warplanes flew over the South China Sea, Bashi Channel and Miyako Strait.
Meanwhile Beijing has claimed nearly all of the South China Sea, including the Paracels east of Danang and the Spratly Islands to the south between Vietnam and the Philippines.
Chinese construction in the Spratlys, including runways and lighthouses, has been previously criticised by many nations.
Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei all have competing claims with China over the important sea route.
Report says U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has accused China of building a “fortress” on disputed islands in the South China Sea. (dpa/NAN)