According to new satellite imagery released by the US-based center, nearly a dozen hangars aircraft and powerful radars on the artificial Islands of China in the South China sea work.
The new facilities will further strengthen the military superiority of China over the most disputed region, experts told CNN and can help China to create a disputed Area of identification of air defense in the area. On each island there is a new site for the aircraft that can hold 24 military aircraft and several large hangars which can contain bombers, or surveillance aircraft. Although it was expected the completion of these facilities in early 2017, the question remains: whither China?
Press Secretary of the Ministry of foreign Affairs of China announced on Tuesday that she was not aware of the details of the report, but confirmed that the Spratly Islands are Chinese territory. "Decide whether we deploy or not to deploy a proper military equipment, it is under our sovereignty. It is our right to self-defence and self-preservation, as recognized in international law," said Hua Chuning.
China claims most of the South China sea as its territory, despite the overlapping claims of several other countries in South-East Asia, including the Philippines and Vietnam. "The concern is that if China will have its own military aircraft (in the South China sea), they could rise and challenge any military aircraft or civil aircraft, if they want," said Carl Thayer, a regional security analyst and Professor Emeritus at the University of New South Wales.
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents |
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