A US news network is reporting that China has installed cruise missiles on the military bases it built on reefs and islets in the South China Sea that were also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. 

"These would be the first missiles in the Spratlys, either surface to air, or anti-ship," said Greg Poling, a South China Sea expert at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.

CNBC, which is known more for financial news, reported on US intelligence assessments which determined that Beijing had the missile moved to Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef within the past month.  The YJ-12B cruise missiles could target ships within a radius of 295 nautical miles, which is more than 545 kilometers.  The HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missiles could strike targets within 160 miles, or 257 kilometers.

The reefs are far beyond China's internationally-recognized borders, and Washington has repeatedly warned China of unspecified "consequences" for pushing into territory previously claimed by other countries or recognized as international waters.

"We're well aware of China's militarisation of the South China Sea," said White House press secretary Sarah Sanders.  "We've raised concerns directly with the Chinese about this and there will be near-term and long-term consequences."

US Admiral Philip Davidson China has completed an essential step in becoming a force in Australia's sphere of influence: 

"The only thing lacking are the deployed forces," said Adm. Davidson.  Once these were added, "China will be able to extend its influence thousands of miles to the south and project power deep into Oceania."