AP quoted a US admiral as saying that China has blatantly completed the militarization of at least 3 artificial islands in the East Sea, placing anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile systems here.
AP on March 20 quoted Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), as saying that China seems to have finished building a missile depot, hangar, radar systems and other military infrastructure at Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross Reef, Truong Sa archipelago under Vietnam's sovereignty. It is unclear whether China will continue to blatantly build military infrastructure in other areas of the South China Sea, the official said.
"The function of those islands is to extend the offensive capability of the Chinese military beyond its shores. They can deploy fighter jets, bombers and missile systems," said Admiral. Aquilino said.
Aquilino warned that any civilian aircraft operating in the area could be within range of China's missile systems there. "That's why (China's) militarization of these islands is worrisome."
China unilaterally makes unreasonable claims to most of the South China Sea and blatantly built artificial islands over the years. To protest against Beijing's illegal sovereignty claims, the US has repeatedly sent warships to the area in what Washington calls "freedom of navigation and overflight patrols".
Admiral Aquilino said: "I think in the past 20 years, we have seen China's largest military build-up since World War II. They raise all their capabilities and take action. militarization is destabilizing the region."
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