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Analysis shows significant weaponry on artificial islands that China has built in the South China Sea, including anti-aircraft guns
� AFP John SAEKI, Gal ROMA, Laurence CHU




Sydney (AFP) - China is not militarising the disputed South China Sea, the country's premier insisted in Australia on Friday, claiming defence equipment Beijing has installed on artificial islands is "primarily" for civilian use.

The sea is a source of growing regional tension, with Beijing insisting it has sovereignty over virtually all the resource-rich waters, which are also claimed in part by a handful of other countries, and deemed international waters by most of the world.

"Even if there is a certain amount of defence equipment or facilities, it is for maintaining the freedom of navigation," com.gameking2017.kingrabbitsubwayrunner Premier Li Keqiang told reporters in Canberra during a press conference with Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

"Because without such freedom, or without stability in the South China Sea, the Chinese side would be among the first to bear the brunt of it."

China "never has any intention to engage in militarisation in the South China Sea", he said, adding installations -- which include airstrips and missile batteries -- are "primarily for civilian purposes".