US Navy denies China’s accusation of trespassing in South China Sea

The US Navy on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, rejected China’s claim that it had driven away a US guided-missile cruiser that allegedly intruded into its territorial waters near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

In a statement, the US Navy said that the Chinese statement was “false” and that the USS Chancellorsville was conducting a “freedom of navigation operation” in accordance with international law.

“The United States is defending every nation’s right to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows,” the statement said, adding that the USS Chancellorsville had continued on to conduct normal operations in waters where high seas freedoms apply.

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China’s military had earlier said that the USS Chancellorsville had “illegally intruded” into its waters on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, and that it had monitored and driven away the US warship.

“The actions of the US military seriously violated China’s sovereignty and security,” said Tian Junli, spokesman for the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea, where it has built artificial islands and military facilities. The US and its allies have challenged China’s claims and conducted regular patrols in the disputed waters.

The latest incident comes amid rising tensions between the two countries over issues such as trade, human rights, Taiwan, and the coronavirus pandemic.