Beijing Thursday reasserted its right to build "defense" facilities in the disputed South China Sea, but declined to confirm reports it had installed new missiles on artificial islands it has built in the region. The Chinese army installed anti-ship and air-to-air defenses on outposts also claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines over the last 30 days, U.S. network CNBC reported Wednesday, citing sources close to U.S. intelligence. If the information is verified, it could provoke renewed tensions between countries bordering the strategically vital maritime region.

Beijing 'installs missiles' on South China Sea. (2018, May 4). The Manila Times, p. A2.