States Navy Warship
The Chinese military has accused the United States of illegally infringing on China’s territorial waters in the South China Sea. The statement was issued by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Friday.
The People’s Liberation Army claims that the guided missile destroyer USS Gabrielle Giffords entered Chinese territorial waters around the Paracel Islands without permission. However, the US Navy rejected this claim, insisting that the USS Gabrielle Giffords was conducting routine operations in the disputed waterway.
The United States has long contested China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and regularly conducts freedom of navigatio operations in the area. China views these operations as a violation of its sovereignty and has consistently opposed them.
Tensions Escalate
The incident could further strain U.S.-China relations, which are already at their worst due to disagreements over trade, Taiwan and human rights. The South China Sea is a strategically important waterway with many disputed islands and reefs. The ongoing conflict over the region has the potential to spark a serious conflict between the two powers.
US Defends Freedom of Navigation
The US Navy has emphasized compliance with international law and defended freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. It made clear that the operation was not aimed at asserting territorial claims, but rather at maintaining a rules-based international order. China has not yet responded to the US Navy’s statement. However, this incident is expected to further heighten tensions between the two countries.
Ongoing Territorial Dispute
The USS Gabrielle Giffords’ entry into the South China Sea has sparked differing opinions. China claims it violated its sovereignty, while the US asserts it was a lawful freedom of navigation operation.
