New analysis from Israeli intelligence firm ImageSat International (ISI) made public on June 6, 2018 indicates that the Chinese missile systems on Woody Island in the Paracel archipelago may have been removed or relocated. Two US defense officials told CNN that it is very unlikely China has totally removed the missile system, but could instead have concealed them inside buildings. The Israeli satellite imagery firm said Beijing could have removed or redeployed them to other parts of the South China Sea, adding "If so, within the next few days we may observe a redeployment in the same area." Other analysts agreed, saying it could be because the missiles were not suited to deployment where they might be vulnerable to salt water damage, and therefore may have required replacement or repair. Timothy Heath, a senior defense analyst at the Rand Corporation, said "Due to the corrosive effects of salt and humidity in the islands, HQ-9 missile systems must be removed and sent back to the mainland for maintenance periodically." Derek Grossman, another Rand defense analyst, said he was "highly skeptical that Beijing has completely and permanently removed (the missiles) from the region." Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at the regular press conference on June 6, accused the US, not China, of militarizing the region. She said "I hope the US can explain to everyone: Isn't it militarization when you send attacking weapons like the B-52 bombers to the South China Sea? Were the B-52s there for freedom of navigation and overflight? If someone frequently flexes his muscles or snoops around near your house, shouldn't you raise your alertness and improve your defense capabilities?" She added "China will not be intimidated by any planes or ships. We will only be firmer in our resolve to take all necessary measures to safeguard our sovereignty and security as well as maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea."
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