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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Harland & Wolff boss touts UK credentials of support ship win]()
Harland & Wolff boss touts UK credentials of support ship win
Harland & Wolff hopes investment in its yards and partnership with Navantia can help deliver three new ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary on time.
-
![UPDATED: The three boats in the running to be the Netherlands' next submarine]()
UPDATED: The three boats in the running to be the Netherlands' next submarine
Three European shipyards remain in contention to build four new submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Secretive China enhances its SSBN fleet and weaponry]()
Secretive China enhances its SSBN fleet and weaponry
There is growing evidence that production of new nuclear-powered submarines is proceeding in China, as well as a startling declaration that new submarine-launched nuclear-tipped missiles are already in service.
-
![HII authenticates keel for Virginia-class submarine]()
HII authenticates keel for Virginia-class submarine
The keel authentication marks a key milestone in producing the future hunter-killer submarine.
