China has quietly installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three outposts in the South China Sea, as per a report.
This would in all probability allow Beijing to further project its power in the disputed waters, according to the U.S. intelligence reports.
In the past 30 days, the missile platforms were moved to the outposts in the Spratly Islands, CNBC reported.
The placement of the defensive weapons would be an add on to China's recent South China Sea installation of military jamming equipment.
The U.S. Defense Department remained neutral but expressed concern about the issue. A Pentagon official said we have always intended to resolve disputes peacefully with other claimants, on being asked about China's recent military activity in the area.
"We have consistently called on China, as well as other claimants, to refrain from further land reclamation, construction of new facilities, and militarization of disputed features, and to commit to managing and resolving disputes peacefully with other claimants," he said, as quoted by CNBC.
Harris, whom President Donald Trump is planning to nominate as U.S. ambassador to South Korea, said, "Ladies and gentlemen, China's intent is crystal clear. We ignore it at our peril."
By all means, the new coastal defence systems are a significant addition to Beijing's military portfolio.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
