Reports: China moving weapons to 'disputed' artificial islands

China has reportedly moved weapons on to its artificial islands amid heightened tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

Australian Defence Secretary Dennis Richardson said that given the size and modernisation of China's military, any attempt by the nation to use its rapid and extensive land reclamation activity in the South China Sea will be of considerable concern if it was being done for military purposes.

News.com.au quoted other military officials as warning that Beijing could also bring long-range radar and anti-aircraft guns in order to boost its military power across the world's busiest trading lanes.

On Tuesday, China's military had defended its robust island building in the South China Sea by comparing it to the ordinary construction of roads elsewhere in the country.

The news came days after the Chinese Navy warned off a U.S. surveillance plane as it flew over the Fiery Cross Reef, where Beijing has conducted extensive reclamation work.