Insight: China breaks promises and militarises South China Sea reefs
News has emerged from a US television network, likely leaked by US intelligence sources, that China has installed two missile types onto three of its reclaimed reefs in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
The weapons allegedly include long-range YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missiles and HQ-9B surface-to-air missiles (SAM). They only moved to their new locations on Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef within the past 30 days.
The supersonic YJ-12 (export name CM-302) has an alleged range of 400km against ships, while the HQ-9B can target aircraft and approaching missiles out to a range of 200km.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![BAE Systems selected for multi-billion-dollar Norway ship order]()
BAE Systems selected for multi-billion-dollar Norway ship order
BAE Systems is leading the construction of eight Type 26 City-class anti-submarine frigates for the UK Royal Navy (RN) with the first of these expected to enter service in 2027. Norway’s selection of the type makes it the fourth to make the choice alongside Australia, Canada and the UK.
-
![Taiwan entrusts USVs with task of deterring a PLA amphibious invasion]()
Taiwan entrusts USVs with task of deterring a PLA amphibious invasion
Drawing lessons from Ukraine’s Black Sea experience, Taiwan is investing heavily in unmanned surface vessels to strengthen its asymmetric defence strategy against potential PLA amphibious assaults.
-
![US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities]()
US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities
The USCG has been increasing efforts to accelerate the process to develop, procure, deploy and sustain autonomous and counter-uncrewed systems across its fleet.
