The key facts

  • China claims that USS Charleston entered waters near Sabina Shoal (Xianbin Jiao) in the Spratlys on Tuesday without permission.
  • The PLA says it dispatched forces to track and monitor the ship and demands that the US stop such operations.
  • The Spratlys are claimed wholly or partly by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Accusations from Beijing

On Tuesday, China accused a US Navy combat ship of illegally entering waters near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, saying the move threatens maritime security and regional stability. According to a spokesperson for the command of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the littoral combat ship USS Charleston entered waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal, also known as Xianbin Jiao, in the Nansha (Spratly) archipelago early on Tuesday morning without Beijing's permission.

Reaction of the Chinese military

The command spokesperson said Chinese naval forces were dispatched to track and monitor the American vessel in accordance with laws and regulations. 'China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha and the adjacent waters,' he said. According to him, the US operation 'violates China's sovereign rights and interests, threatens maritime security and undermines regional peace and stability.'

Demand to stop operations

Beijing urged Washington to immediately stop such operations, warning that Chinese military forces remain on high alert to defend national sovereignty and security. The command spokesperson added that the Southern Theater Command will continue to defend China's territorial claims while maintaining regional peace and stability.

Disputed status of the archipelago

The Spratly Islands are claimed wholly or partly by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. The Chinese statement reflects Beijing's position; no separate US reaction is provided in the publication.