WASHINGTON: The Uni­ted States has raised concerns with China about its latest `militarisation’ of the South China Sea and there will be near-term and long-term consequences, the White House said on Thursday.

News network CNBC reported on Wednesday that China had installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three man-made outposts in the South China Sea. It cited sources with direct knowledge of US intelligence.

Asked about the report, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told a regular news briefing: “We’re well aware of China’s militarisation of the South China Sea. We’ve raised concerns directly with the Chinese about this and there will be near-term and long-term consequences.” Sanders did not say what the consequences might be.

An official claimed US intelligence had seen signs that China had moved some weapons systems to its artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago in the past month or so, but offered no details.

The network quoted unnamed sources as saying that according to US intelligence assessments, the missiles were moved to the Spratlys within the past 30 days.

If the claims are true, these would be the first Chinese missile deployments in the Spratlys.

China’s defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Its foreign ministry said China has irrefutable sovereignty over the Spratlys and that necessary defensive deployments were for national security needs and not aimed at any country.

“Those who do not intend to be aggressive have no need to be worried or scared,” ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

‘Unique responsibility’

Philippines, a close US ally which is now pursuing strong ties with China, gave a cautious response to the reported deployment.

“With our recently developed close relationship and friendship with China, we are confident that those missiles are not directed at us,” said Harry Roque, spokesmen for President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Be that as it may, we would explore all diplomatic means to address this issue.”

Last month, Admiral Philip Davidson, nominated to head US Pacific Command, said China could use its “forward operating bases” in the South China Sea to challenge “our regional presence” and “would easily overwhelm the military forces of any other South China Sea claimants”.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2018