On Monday, China’s military asserted that a US combat ship unlawfully entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, a contested atoll in the South China Sea.
China’s Southern Theater of Operations spokesperson stated, “The US significantly disrupted regional peace and stability.”
The spokesperson also mentioned that the US intentionally disturbed the South China Sea, flagrantly violating China’s sovereignty.
China is at odds with many of its neighbors over its expansive claims to South China Sea territorial waters.
It has had many clashes with Philippine warships in recent months, and it has also opposed US ships patrolling the contested areas.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army, according to the spokeswoman, arranged maritime forces to track and monitor the US ship, adding that “its troops in the theater are on high alert must steadfastly protect national sovereignty at all times.
After observing an “alarming” increase in the number of Chinese maritime militia vessels at a reef within the country’s exclusive economic zone, the Philippine Coast Guard sent two of its vessels into the South China Sea on Sunday.
The U.S. Navy affirmed in a statement that the 7th Fleet consistently conducts operations in the South China Sea, a practice maintained for decades. These activities underscore the commitment to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Ratnavali