MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to satellite imagery obtained by Fox News, China deployed two batteries of eight surface-to-air missile launchers and a radar system on Woody Island. A US official verified the imagery accuracy.
The official said that the air defense system shown at the photos might be a new generation medium- to long-range, active radar homing surface-to-air HQ-9 missile system.
In late January, the US Department of Defense said USS Curtis Wilbur carried out "a freedom of navigation operation" near Triton Island in the Paracel Islands chain, administrated by China and claimed by both Vietnam and Taiwan.
The Chinese Defense Ministry said the patrol operation conducted by a US Navy destroyer near the chain of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea undermined regional peace and security and pledged to respond.
