As China placed surface-to-air missile equipment on one of the disputed islands in the South China Sea, United States President Barack Obama called for "tangible steps" to reduce tension in the region, reported Reuters. Civilian satellite company ImageSat International captured images showing two batteries of eight surface-to-air missile launchers as well as a radar system on the island.
A Taiwan defence ministry spokesperson said the missile batteries have been set up on Woody Island, which is controlled by the Chinese, but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. An American defence official confirmed that the missiles had been deployed.
Addressing the press after a summit with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders, Obama said, "We discussed the need for tangible steps in the South China Sea to lower tensions, including a halt to further reclamation, new construction and militarisation of disputed areas." Last month, an American warship patrolled the South China Sea to challenge "excessive maritime claims" by China, Vietnam and Taiwan in the region.
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