SOUTH CHINA SEA tensions have pushed the US and China into a dangerously hostile dispute, with some experts warning the risk of conflict is real. This wasn’t helped by Beijing’s deployment of “ship killer” missiles.

China’s military had already threatened to “sink two aircraft carriers” of the US’ when it activated the ballistic missiles. Rear Admiral Lou Yuan warned beforehand that China’s new and highly capable DF-26 anti-ship ballistic and cruise missiles were more than capable of hitting US carriers, despite them being at the centre of a ‘bubble’ of defensive escorts. He said: “What the United States fears the most is taking casualties.”

He said the loss of one super carrier would cost the US the lives of 5000 service men and women. Sinking two would double that toll.

“We’ll see how frightened America is.”

He added that China should “use its strength to attack the enemy’s shortcomings. Attack wherever the enemy is afraid of being hit. Wherever the enemy is weak.”
This warning came in December 2018.

The Chinese state-controlled newspaper – The Global Times – said the country’s newest warheads were being deployed a month later into positions best suited at striking vessels in the East and South China Sea.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1322833/south-china-sea-china-ship-killer-missiles-us-ships-spt