As a U.S. warship reportedly navigated the contentious waters of the South China Sea close to the Paracel Islands on Friday, China issued a stern warning to the United States Navy, warning of “severe repercussions.”
Beijing has accused the United States of infringing against the sovereignty and security of the island for the second day in a row. China is the present occupier of the island, but both Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to it.
The United States of America has refuted China’s accusations and stated that its passage through the waters is permissible under international law and falls under a freedom of navigation operation.
This operation challenges attempted restrictions by all three nations to enforce a policy that requires permission or advanced notice by any military vessel before it can pass by.
China has accused the United States of violating international law on multiple occasions.
After China objected to its passage for the first time on Thursday, the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius sailed through the islands for a second consecutive day on Friday.
According to statements made by China’s Ministry of National Defense, the United States is “undermining the peace and stability of the South China Sea,” via exercising these operations through what should be international waters.
“Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations,” Lt. j.g. Luka Bakic announced.
“The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant,” he continued.
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