The Philippine Star:
MANILA, Philippines — In addition to landing a bomber aircraft on the South China Sea, China has deployed new weapon systems on its largest outpost in the Paracel Islands, according to a Washington-based think tank.
The Asia Maritime Transparency Transparency (AMTI) reported that based on a satellite photo dated May 12, Beijing has placed HQ-9 surface-to-air missile systems on Woody Island.
China initially deployed the same missile systems on the island in 2016. The outpost has long been prepared for air defenses with its 2,700-meter airstrip, radars and aircraft shelters.
“Since they are covered, it is difficult to definitively identify the new platforms, but they likely include truck-mounted surface-to-air or anti-ship cruise missiles and accompanying radars,” the AMTI said.
