China Accuses US Warship of Violating Territorial Waters Near Spratlys

The Chinese Navy said on Tuesday that a US warship entered "China's territorial waters" without Beijing's permission near the Sabina Shoals in the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea.

The Chinese Navy considered the US move to "violate China's sovereign rights and interests, endanger maritime security, and harm regional peace and stability," according to Reuters.

It added that it deployed forces to track and monitor the US warship USS Charleston, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Chinese Navy demanded that the US side "immediately cease such activities."

The Sabina Shoals are located in the Spratly Islands, an area disputed between China and the Philippines. Manila considers it part of its Exclusive Economic Zone, located approximately 75 nautical miles from the Philippine island of Palawan.

Tensions Between China and the Philippines

Diplomatic disputes between China and the Philippines, a US ally, have escalated in recent years, often linked to confrontations and skirmishes between vessels from both countries in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the waters.

On Monday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador to express "serious concern and strong objection" to statements he made, which they said implied threats to use force.

Chinese Ambassador Jing Chuan told media last week that Beijing "could easily win" any confrontation with the Philippines, but his country would not resort to using force "because we love peace."

The ambassador's remarks were in response to a question regarding the Philippine Defense Minister's description of China as provocative in the region.

In a statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro informed Jing that his comments were "provocative and unacceptable," exacerbating sensitive atmospheres between the two countries.

It added that sensitive issues should be addressed through diplomatic channels and bilateral mechanisms, preserving space for dialogue and communication.