The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) announced on Friday that it expelled a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the USS Halsey, after it entered Chinese territorial waters near the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea without authorization.
According to a statement by Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, naval and air forces were dispatched to “track, monitor, and warn away” the U.S. vessel. The PLA accused the destroyer of illegally trespassing into China’s territorial waters, violating international law and undermining regional stability.
“The actions of the U.S. military seriously infringe upon China’s sovereignty and security,” Tian said. “We urge the United States to immediately stop such provocative actions, strictly manage its maritime and air activities, and refrain from taking further risks.”
The incident adds to the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway where several nations have overlapping territorial claims. The Xisha Islands, known internationally as the Paracel Islands, are controlled by China but also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.
The U.S. Navy regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the region, challenging what it considers to be excessive maritime claims and asserting the rights of all vessels to operate in international waters. The U.S. has not immediately commented on the latest incident.
China has repeatedly criticized such U.S. operations as destabilizing, asserting its own sovereignty over the disputed territories. The PLA’s firm response signals China’s intent to protect its claims and maintain control over the area.
The South China Sea remains a critical passage for global trade, with significant economic and strategic importance. The continued military activities by both China and the United States highlight the complexities of regional security and international maritime law.
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China's PLA expels U.S. destroyer trespassing near Xisha Islands
cgtn.com
