Naval tensions between China and the US

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Front Command said in a statement that the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius “entered territorial waters” near Mischief Reef in the Spartly Islands, which the Chinese refer to as “Nansha”.

In the statement, which states that the Chinese navy and air force observed and followed the ship throughout the cruise, “China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and nearby waters. The military units in the region will maintain high vigilance and resolutely uphold the sovereignty, security, peace and stability in the South China Sea.” statements were included.

FREE NAVIGATION OPERATION

The US 7th Pacific Fleet also said in a statement that the ship’s passage was a “freedom of navigation operation” under international law.

The statement indicated that the ship sailed 12 miles from the disputed reef, which is the internationally accepted distance for territorial waters, and that the reef, which is at low wave height in its natural state, cannot be considered waters territories in accordance with international law.

In the statement, it was stated that the US opposes sovereignty claims over the seas, regardless of which country they come from, adding: “The international community has a responsibility to guarantee freedom of navigation on the seas, this necessary for the protection of global security, stability and prosperity”. the evaluation was done.

It should be noted that the activity of the US warship in the region coincided with the military exercise launched by the Chinese army around the island after the visit to the US of Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen.

Taiwan, in conflict of sovereignty with China, is located in the north of the South China Sea.

SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTE

The South China Sea has been the subject of sovereignty disputes since the riparian countries gained independence after World War II.

China claims sovereignty over 80 percent of the South China Sea, with the map first published in 1947. Neighboring coastal countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia also claim the region.

The US, as well as countries in the region, opposes China building military bases on disputed islands in the region and maintaining civilian fleets for a long time.

It is noted that the US has recently increased its military patrol and navigation activities, to what it calls “Freedom of Navigation Operations” (FONP), in the face of China’s growing presence in the region. (AA)