U.S-China Tensions Soar As Beijing Drives Away U.S Navy Destroyer in Disputed South China Sea

China issued warnings to a U.S Navy Destroyer, the USS Halsey, in the disputed South China Sea a few days after the ship crossed the Taiwan Strait, leading to Chinese discontent.

The Chinese Navy said it drove away the destroyer, which had entered Chinese territorial waters near Parcel Islands of the disputed South China Sea on Friday, May 10.

It added that the U.S. had infringed upon China’s maritime security and sovereignty and that Chinese forces would stay on high alert to counter the U.S. in the highly contested water body.

The U.S. Navy stated that its destroyer crossed the strait in accordance with the right of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, which is upheld by international law.

China argues that most of the South China Sea is within its territorial waters, including areas claimed by other countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines.

International Law has declared that China’s claims have no legal basis, yet it maintains a significant presence in the South China Sea with its Coast Guard and other naval vessels.

China-US tensions have increased after the latter pledged to support the Philippines in its conflict with Beijing over issues related to the South China Sea.

Additionally, China believes Taiwan to be a part of its territory and asserted that it could even use force to bring the independent island under its control.

Recently, Taiwan’s Coast Guard and other officials reported sighting several Chinese ships and aircraft around its territory.

References: Reuters, Times of India, First Post

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