Phil Star Global:
MANILA, Philippines — No permanent large-scale air or naval presence has been observed on China’s outposts in the Spratly Island but it may soon be powered with a “nuclear element,” the Pentagon warned. The US Department of Defense, in its annual report to US Congress, noted that Beijing has stopped its land reclamation activities in the South China Sea but has continued to build infrastructure at three outposts.
“In 2017, China indicated development plans may be underway to power islands and reefs in the typhoon-prone South China Sea with floating nuclear power stations; development reportedly is to begin prior to 2020,” the report read.
The People’s Liberation Army’s missile force now fields short and medium-range ballistic missiles, as well as ground- and air-launched land-attack cruise missiles, the report read.
