China has deployed surface-to-air missiles on an island in the Paracel chain in the South China Sea, the Taiwanese government says.
A statement released by the Taiwanese Defense Ministry says that it has first-hand intelligence that confirms the existence of missile batteries in the region, which is hotly disputed by China and its neighbors.
Beijing fired back at the claims, with a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman telling reporters at a regularly-scheduled briefing that China's developments in the South China Sea were peaceful.
U.S. President Barack Obama earlier called for the halt of the militarization of the South China Sea. Ref. CNN.
China denies US carrier group entry to Hong Kong amid South China Sea tensions:
China has denied a US request for an aircraft carrier group led by USS John C. Stennis to make a port visit to Hong Kong, the US State Department said on Friday, confirming earlier media reports. Ref. Source 8m.
Hague tribunal rules against Chinese claims to South China Sea
An international tribunal ruled Tuesday that China has no historic rights over the South China Sea. The case was brought by the Philippines over China's vast territorial claims and island-building in the region. The ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, is the first to address competing claims and interests among a half-dozen countries fronting the South China Sea. China has claimed virtually all of the South China Sea, a crucial waterway used for an estimated $5 trillion in annual trade. Ref. USAToday.
Biden rails against China in San Diego speech
Vice President Joe Biden yesterday railed against Chinese trade practices he said hurt American workers in a speech in San Diego. His remarks came after U.S. Trade officials announced they had filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization against China. Ref. Source 8g.
Chinese Military Vice Chairman Urges Troops to Get Ready For Combat: Xinhua:
The warning comes days after China officially warned the US that its patrols in the South China Sea - which despite last week's decision by the Hague tribunal - deems as its own, could end in "Disaster." Ref. Source 8x
.
I am really concern about what's going on in the south sea, I think we could see a terrible outcome if a resolution isn't found.
International Level: Junior Politician / Political Participation: 67 6.7%