Yes the arrogance of empire, however with the Chinese deployment of HQ-9 missiles on Woody Island ( part of the Paracel Islands), it's a whole new ball game.
" ...The missiles, known as the HQ-9, are a variant much like the United States Patriot missile battery and the Russians S-300. Both systems can engage targets at what is known as a “beyond the horizon” range using a set of sensors and radars that allow missiles to track and hit targets more than 100 miles away from the launch site. The HQ-9 is mounted to a truck chassis, which allows it be highly mobile when not in use.
mce-anchor
“From their perspective this is a defense system designed to protect their sovereign territory,” said Neil Ashdown, a deputy editor at IHS Janes, a military research group.
Not only can the HQ-9 hit aircraft, but like the S-300 and Patriot, it can also hit ballistic missiles. The system can also engage targets at more than 80,000 feet high. ..."
Full Source:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...apparently-deployed-into-the-south-china-sea/
http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-IADS-SAMs.html
