Adm. John Aquilino, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said on March 20 that China has fully militarized at least three of the islands in the disputed South China Sea. “I think over the past 20 years, we’ve witnessed the largest military buildup since World War II by the PRC [People’s Republic of China],” Aquilino told The Associated Press. “They have advanced all their capabilities and that buildup of weaponization is destabilizing to the region.” China has equipped Mischief Reef, Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment, and aircraft hangers, according to Aquilino. The missile systems could easily target any civilian and military planes flying over the disputed waters, he added. “So that’s the threat that exists, that’s why it’s so concerning for the militarization of these islands,” Aquilino said. “They threaten all nations who operate in the vicinity and all the international …