China appears to have deployed surface to air missiles on a disputed island in the South China Sea, say reports.
A satellite images, taken on 14 February and published by Fox News, appear to show two batteries of eight missile launchers and a radar system on Woody Island in the Paracels.
Taiwan, which along with Vietnam claims the island, confirmed the deployment.
The deployment of missiles would significantly increase tensions in the acrimonious South China Sea dispute.
China has been carrying out extensive land reclamation work in the South China Sea, which it says is legal and for civilian purposes.
