China has launched a full military on at least three of the several islands it has built in the disputed South China Sea, a U.S. military commander said Sunday.
U.S. Navy officials surveying outposts on the Spratly islands in the South China Sea found the islands of Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross were armed with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser equipment and fighter jets.
According to a report by The Guardian citing the partnership of U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John C. Aquilino to the Associated Press, told that missile weapons, aircraft hangars, radar systems and other military facilities have been built on the three artificial islands.
Aquilino says that this is the largest military construction since World War II by China, where they have advanced all their capabilities and the addition of armaments has affected the stability of the region.
He added that the move was against other countries near the South China Sea, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.
However, so far Beijing has reportedly not responded to the allegations.
China now has the second largest defense budget in the world after America, following rising military spending over the years and developing its strength faster with weapons systems including J-20 stealth fighters, hypersonic missiles and two aircraft carriers.
