New satellite images of reefs in the West Philippine Sea occupied by China showed missile shelters and radars, according to the US think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI).
The missile shelter might house missile systems, reported AMTI, which is part of Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, on Thursday.
AMTI also showed photos of a very large antennae array being installed on Mischief Reef and another large dome under construction in Fiery Cross reef.
The structures indicate a sizeable communications or radar system, AMTI said, reports the Philippine Star.
“Beijing can now deploy military assets, including combat aircraft and mobile missile launchers, to the Spratly Islands at any time,” the newspaper quoted AMTI as saying.
The Philippine government, which refuses to confront China about its militarization of the said islands considered part of Philippine territory, has yet to issue a reaction to the AMTI photos.
China claims the reefs and most of the South China Sea as part of its territory.
credit: Wikimedia
