Beijing’s Air Defense Missiles in S. China Sea to Raise Tensions - US DOS

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Asked whether the United States is pursuing an independent verification, Toner said "Yes."

"Commercial imaginary seems to indicate that China has deployed surface-to-air missile system on a disputed island in the South China Sea, I am confirming that. If this is true, we believe it will raise further tensions in the region," Toner stated.