China appears to have removed missile systems from a disputed island in the South China Sea

NEW satellite images suggest the Chinese government has made a sweeping change to one of its disputed islands in the South China Sea.

CHINA appears to have removed its missile systems from a disputed island in the South China Sea for the first time.

New analysis from Israeli intelligence firm ImageSat International suggests China may have either gotten rid of or relocated its controversial missile systems.

Satellite images taken on June 3 reveal that China has removed missile launches from the contested Woody Island in the disputed region.

#Breaking: #ImageSat reveals the #first evidence for the disapearance of the SAM systems deployment from Woody Island, what can be caused by a #Chinese deliberate decision of folding it due to row with #US, a redeployment or a practice. What would Lt. Gen. He Lei say? #SLD18 pic.twitter.com/KcwLoB5atp

— imagesatintl (@imagesatint) June 5, 2018

But defence officials told CNN it’s unlikely China has actually removed them — rather, they’ve probably hidden them inside buildings.

Earlier in the week, the United States flew two nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over Beijing-claimed islands, reportedly flying within 32 kilometres of the Spratly Islands.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying hit back in a press conference, warning the US that their actions were “risky” and that China “will not be threatened by any military warships”.

“I hope the US can explain to everyone: Isn’t it militarisation when you send attacking weapons like the B-52 bombers to the South China Sea?” she said. “Were the B-52s there for freedom of navigation and overflight? If someone frequently flexes his muscles or snoops around near your house, shouldn’t you raise your alertness and improve your defence capabilities?

“China will not be intimidated by any planes or ships. We will only be firmer in our resolve to take all necessary measures to safeguard our sovereignty and security as well as maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

This image shows a satellite image of Woody Island in the Paracel island chain in the South China Sea, with two Chinese Y-8 military transport aircraft. Source: AMTI

Last month, satellite images monitored by the global Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative think tank showed a number of military developments, including a Shaanxi Y-8 military transport aircraft and two Xian Y-7 aircraft, as well as reports of anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles.

AMTI also pointed to the existence of underground tunnels and ammunition storage, missile and anti-aircraft gun positions, military radars and high-frequency surveillance antennas.

On April 9, the Wall Street Journal reported that China installed equipment on two of its fortified outposts.

A photo taken by a commercial satellite company showed a suspected jammer system with its antenna extended on Mischief Reef.

According to satellite images taken a month after the report, the outposts had since been placed under covers.

Likewise in February, massive, impeccably constructed Chinese military fortresses were revealed to have been illegally constructed on the Spratly Islands.