US Destroyer Enters South China Sea, China Protests as "Security Threat"

China: "Namjung-gukhae is China's inherent territory"
Fifth 'Freedom of Navigation' operation since Biden's inauguration

Destroyer 'Curtis Wilbur' [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] China strongly opposed the entry of a U.S. warship into the South China Sea, a disputed territory, calling it a security threat. As the U.S. and China increase the frequency and intensity of military activities in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, diplomatic tensions between the two sides are reportedly escalating.

Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese military, stated in a statement on the 20th that the U.S. destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur illegally intruded into Chinese territorial waters without the Chinese government's approval.

Colonel Tian emphasized, "The USS Curtis Wilbur entered the waters of the Paracel Islands (Chinese name: Xisha Islands) in the South China Sea," adding, "The Xisha Islands are China's inherent territory." He also noted that the People's Liberation Army Navy and Air Force tracked and monitored the USS Curtis Wilbur and issued warning broadcasts.

He further said that the U.S. actions seriously infringe upon China's sovereignty and security and undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, stating, "China firmly opposes this."

Moreover, he accused the U.S. of "violating international law and the basic norms of international relations, artificially increasing regional security risks, and engaging in irresponsible behavior that could lead to miscalculations and unpredictable incidents," labeling the U.S. as a "security risk creator in the South China Sea."

He added that the Chinese military always maintains a high state of alert to safeguard sovereignty and regional peace and security.

Earlier, the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet stated in a press release that the USS Curtis Wilbur passed through the Taiwan Strait on the 18th (local time) based on international law. Since the Biden administration took office, this is the fifth time U.S. naval vessels have conducted "freedom of navigation" operations through the Taiwan Strait.

In response, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese military said in a statement, "The U.S. actions send the wrong signal to 'Taiwan independence' forces and intend to interfere in regional affairs," adding, "This undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and we firmly oppose it."