Beijing: China’s military accused a US combat ship of unlawfully entering waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed atoll in the South China Sea. A spokesperson for China’s Southern Theater of Operations stated that the US actions seriously undermined regional peace and stability, intentionally disturbing the South China Sea and violating China’s sovereignty.
China’s extensive territorial water claims in the South China Sea have led to disputes with neighboring countries. Recent months have seen confrontations with Philippine vessels, and China has protested against US patrols in contested areas. The spokesperson mentioned that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army organized maritime troops to monitor the US ship closely, with troops on high alert to defend national sovereignty.
In response to an “alarming” increase in the number of Chinese maritime militia vessels at a reef within its exclusive economic zone, the Philippine Coast Guard deployed two vessels in the South China Sea on Sunday.
The ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, exemplified by China’s accusations against a US combat ship, underscore the complexities and tensions in the region. The allegations of unlawful entry add another layer to the broader geopolitical landscape, impacting regional peace and stability. As China asserts its sovereignty and monitors activities closely, neighboring countries, like the Philippines, respond to perceived threats in their exclusive economic zones. The situation reflects a delicate balance, with heightened military preparedness and diplomatic intricacies shaping the evolving dynamics in the South China Sea.