February 19, 2016

"US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday that 'There is every evidence, every day that there has been an increase of militarization of one kind or another,' referring to the reported Chinese deployment of missiles in the 'disputed' islands in the South China Sea. He said 'it's of serious concern' and the US will 'have further very serious conversation' with China. The US media has responded strongly to the allegations that China has deployed HQ-9 surface-to-air missiles on Yongxing Island, one of the islands in the Xisha chain. US Senate Armed Forces Chairman John McCain suggested the US consider 'additional options to raise the costs on Beijing's behavior.'

The HQ-9 missile is a typical type of defensive weapon. The Xisha Islands are Chinese territory and have long been under China's actual control. Previous disputes in the South China Sea did not involve this area, but this time the US has targeted Yongxing Island in Xisha to attack China's 'militarization' of the South China Sea. Washington intends to not only tarnish China's image, but also expand the disputes so as to contain China's activities in the Nansha Islands."

Read more:
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/969330.shtml

NISCSS does not necessarily share in or endorse the opinions of off-site commentators.