Satellite imagery has revealed that the Chinese military removed its new generation surface to air missile from an Island in disputed South China Sea Island prior to the verdict from the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).  

An international defense magazine reported that satellite images captured on July 10 revealed the withdrawal of China's advanced surface to air missile from Woody Island in contested South China Sea.

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IHS Janes Defense magazine, in its latest edition, revealed that a battery of HQ-9 missiles had been taken off from its deployment position two days prior to the international tribunal's ruling over South China Sea territorial dispute.  The missile had been deployed to the Island since February 2016.

"Imagery captured on July 9 shows HQ-9 battery components uncovered and garrisoned together near the radar position. On 10 July, subsequent imagery showed a column of vehicles, including probably HQ-9 TELs, parked on a road adjacent to the island's southern harbor," IHS Janes reported.

Chinese media reports said the missile withdrawal was a response to the U.S. decision to remove a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier from the South China Sea on July 5.

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration on July 12 ruled that Beijing's claims to historical rights of ownership the disputed waters have no legal basis. China has strongly opposed the verdict while maintaining that it has "indisputable sovereignty" over the contested waters.

U.S. President Barack Obama's top security aide Susan Rice is currently visiting China in a bid to persuade Beijing to de-escalate tension over South China Sea dispute.

Tagschina, china missile, South China Sea, Woody island, US carrier