China accuses US warship of entering waters near disputed Spratly Islands

China on Tuesday accused a US warship of illegally entering waters near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, saying the move jeopardized maritime security and regional stability.

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The US littoral combat ship USS Charleston entered waters adjacent to Xianbin Jiao, also known as Sabina Shoal, in China’s Nansha Qundao, or Spratly Islands, early Tuesday without Beijing’s authorization, according to a spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command.

The spokesperson said Chinese naval forces were dispatched to track and monitor the American vessel in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

“China holds indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters,” the spokesperson said.

The US operation “infringes upon China’s sovereign rights and interests, jeopardizes maritime security, and is detrimental to regional peace and stability,” the spokesperson added.

Beijing urged Washington to immediately halt such operations, warning that Chinese military forces remain on high alert to defend national sovereignty and security.

The spokesperson said the Southern Theater Command would continue safeguarding China’s territorial claims while maintaining regional peace and stability.

The Spratly Islands are claimed in whole or in part by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.