Daines Statement on Reported Surface-to-Air Missiles on Man-Made Islands in South China Sea

Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on reports that surface-to-air missiles have been deployed on man-made islands in the South China Sea:

"The new reports of surface-to-air missiles being deployed on man-made islands in the South China Sea are deeply concerning. The deployment of these missiles could have serious adverse impacts not only on the stability of the region, but on global commerce. With over five trillion dollars of global trade passing through the South China Sea, maintaining the integrity of international waters and airspace in the region is critically important."

After last week's Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing on the proposed FY 2017 U.S. Air Force budget, Daines submitted questions to Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James on the impact this will have on Air Force flights in the South China Sea.

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