China Positions Weapons on Artificial Islands

United States surveillance imagery shows China has positioned weaponry on one of the artificial islands it is developing in the South China Sea, the Wall Street Journal reported late Thursday evening.

The U.S. detected two Chinese motorized artillery pieces on one of islands about one month ago.

According to U.S. officials, the placement of artillery is more of a “symbolic move” and would not pose a threat to U.S. planes or ships.

The presence of military equipment is at odds with China’s public statements that the reclaimed barrier reefs are purely for civilian use.