The Chinese military expelled a U.S. Navy destroyer on Wednesday after it entered waters near Huangyan Dao, a disputed area in the South China Sea, escalating regional tensions. The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) stated the USS Higgins was tracked and driven out for "illegally trespassing" into what China claims as its territorial waters.
Spokesperson He Tiecheng emphasized the PLA acted "in accordance with laws and regulations" to safeguard sovereignty. Huangyan Dao, known internationally as Scarborough Shoal, has been a focal point of maritime disputes between China and neighboring countries, with Beijing asserting historical rights over the resource-rich waterway.
Analysts suggest the incident underscores growing U.S.-China military friction in Asia-Pacific waters. While Washington maintains its operations uphold freedom of navigation, Beijing views such maneuvers as provocations. The event coincides with heightened regional security debates, impacting investor sentiment in Southeast Asian markets.
The South China Sea remains a critical trade corridor, with over $3 trillion in annual shipping traffic. Stakeholders, including business leaders and policymakers, are closely monitoring developments that could affect regional stability and economic flows.
