China’s Missile Provocation

New York Times 18 hours ago 

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China’s decision to station surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island in the South China Sea is the latest in a series of provocative acts that is fueling regional tensions. This unwise move raises new doubts about President Xi Jinping’s pledge not to “pursue militarization” in a vital waterway and passage for $5 trillion in annual trade. The two HQ-9 missile batteries were deployed recently on Woody Island in the Paracel chain. The missiles reportedly have a range of about 125 miles and are capable of destroying aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. In theory, the weapons could have a legitimate purpose, enabling China to better defend its naval bases on Hainan Island, which is ...