China places missiles in South China Sea

China has placed cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles on three disputed islands in the South China Sea without disclosure.

The platforms for launching the missiles would have been placed in the last 30 days.

Chinese activities in the South China Sea are very sensitive. Beijing claims a large part of the sea to the annoyance of other countries in the region. The South China Sea is rich in fish, petroleum and natural gas and therefore of enormous economic importance. In addition to China, Vietnam and the Philippines are located on busy water.