US-China Tensions Soar As Beijing Drives Away US Navy Destroyer in Disputed South China Seat
China warned a US Navy Destroyer, the USS Halsey, in the disputed South China Sea after the ship crossed the Taiwan Strait.
The Chinese Navy accused the US Destroyer of entering its territorial waters near the Parcel Islands on May 10.
China blamed the US for infringing upon its maritime security and said it would stay on high alert to counter the U.S. in the South China Sea.
The U.S. Navy 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 claims most of the South China Sea as its territorial waters, which has led to conflicts with its neighbours, such as the Philippines.
China’s claims have no legal basis, yet it maintains a significant presence in the contested South China Sea.
US-China Tensions have risen since the US pledged to support the Philippines in its conflict with Beijing over the South China Sea issue.
China also 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.