U.S.
news network CNBC reported on Wednesday that China had installed
anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three
outposts in the South China Sea. It cited sources with direct knowledge
of U.S. intelligence.
Asked
about the report, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told a regular
news briefing: "We’re well aware of China’s militarization of the South
China Sea. We’ve raised concerns directly with the Chinese about this
and there will be near-term and long-term consequences."
Sanders did not say what the consequences might be.
A
U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said U.S.
intelligence had seen some signs that China had moved some weapons
systems to the Spratly Islands in the past month or so, but offered no
details.
CNBC
quoted unnamed sources as saying that according to U.S. intelligence
assessments, the missiles were moved to Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and
Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands within the past 30 days.
They
would be the first Chinese missile deployments in the Spratlys, where
several Asian countries including Vietnam and Taiwan have rival claims.
China's
defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Its foreign
ministry said China has irrefutable sovereignty over the Spratlys and
that necessary defensive deployments were for national security needs
and not aimed at any country.
"Those who do not intend to be aggressive have no need to be worried or scared," ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.
Julie
Bishop, the foreign minister of U.S. ally Australia, said the reports,
if accurate, would be a concern as the actions would be contrary to
China's stated aspiration not to militarize the features.
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