In the latest implicit challenge to China’s sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea, a US warship has sailed through waters off the contested Spratly Islands, the Pentagon said Sunday.
“Guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur conducted a freedom of navigation operation,” an official told AFP. “Decatur sailed within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson reefs in the Spratly Islands.”
The official said all US military operations in the area “are designed in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.”
The 12-mile distance is widely accepted as constituting the territorial waters of a landmass. Beijing claims the entire Spratly chain.
There was no immediate reaction from China, but a similar American operation in July that involved the disputed Paracel islands infuriated Beijing, which deployed military vessels and fighter jets.
The Paracels, situated north of the Spratly Islands, are claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
it’s aboit time for the world to step-up against China’s intrusdion and militarization in the disputed sea.China is a threat to workd peace,freedom and democracy.
If the South China Sea is a property of the international community, UN should get involved in the Sea’s fate. Whether the Sea belongs to one country or to all the countries should be decided by a UN vote.
There is no need. China is weak and can do nothing to stop the warships of other countries going to South China Sea.
The main problem here is the unfair protectionism China imposing in trading. China should fully open its market to US or any other trading countries and more American products are allowed to enter China will do fair balance for both sides as simple as that. Why make things complicated while there is simple solution on it…..
China is China govern by cheater greedy communist gov’t. It is thinking only for its own self and benefits without considering others…..Greediness will never be last forever and never be accepted..
China is China govern by greedy cheater communist gov’t. It just think of its own good and benefits without thinking others. Greediness will never last forever…..