China has recently deployed its naval forces to monitor the USS Charleston. This action came after the American warship illegally entered waters near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese military stated that this entry into waters under China's sovereignty was unauthorized and harms China's interests and sovereign rights.
Details of the US Warship's Entry into Disputed Waters
According to the Chinese military, the USS Charleston entered the waters around Sabina Shoal early on Tuesday. This command explicitly stated that the US action jeopardizes maritime security and undermines peace and stability in the region. China has urged the US to immediately cease such activities.
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Response of Chinese Naval Forces and Regional Developments
The Chinese Navy has announced that it has deployed its forces to track and monitor this warship. While the US Navy has not responded to media requests for comment, the country typically refers to such missions as "freedom of navigation operations." However, their last operation in the South China Sea occurred over a year ago.
Meanwhile, a military spokesperson from the Philippines stated that the US warship did not enter "Chinese territory" and that no country has the right to demand prior authorization for lawful passage through international waters. This comes as tensions between China and the Philippines are rising due to their joint claims over Sabina Shoal and the Spratly Islands.
Other Developments in the South China Sea
In a separate incident on the same day, Taiwan's Coast Guard announced that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel had entered prohibited waters near the Pratas Islands. The Taiwanese Coast Guard dispatched the "Taichung" vessel to the area in an attempt to drive the Chinese ship away. The two sides were exchanging warning messages. The Chinese vessel stated that "the Republic of China" does not exist, while the Taiwanese vessel responded that "the Republic of China, Taiwan, is an independent and sovereign country."
Chinese Coast Guard activities around Taiwan have raised concerns among Western nations. China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory, which has led to further tensions in the region.
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