Chinese missiles in South China Sea

Chinese military has deployed surface-to-air missile system to one of its contested islands in the South China Sea. Fox News reported about it Feb. 17. according to civilian satellite imagery by ImageSat International, Fox News reported Feb. 17. An unnamed U.S. official confirmed the accuracy of the photos.

What kind of system deployed?

The images show two batteries of eight surface-to-air missile launchers as well as a radar system on Woody Island, part of the Paracel Island chain. The HQ-9 system, which has a range of 125 miles (200 kilometers), would provide considerable coverage, given that it would be deployed over open water with less obstruction to detection range. Other images released by The Diplomat over the weekend show Chinese island-building work at two sites in the island chain.

Disputes

This island controlled by China but also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. U.S. actively involved in current disputes.
The move comes as Southeast Asian leaders are meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama at a landmark summit in California. State Dept. and White House not reacted yet.

What to expect

US Navy and Air Force patrols few times were in this region. China answers by notes of protests. Now US will be more carefull because of Chinese missiles. In other hand there will be more accuses about Chinese militarization of region.

Related links
South China Sea and Geopolitics of Islands
China
missiles
South China Sea