US Ship Illegally Intruded Waters Near Spratlys, China Says

China’s military has said it drove away a United States naval ship that illegally intruded waters near the Spratly Islands.

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

Tian accused the US of being a “security risk maker” in the area, claiming the sailing by the USS Chancellorsville was “another iron-clad proof of its militarization of the South China Sea”.

Al Jazeera added that the US has rejected China’s expansive claims in the resource-rich waters.

US Vice President Kamala Harris had said last week that the US would push for an international campaign against “irresponsible behaviour” in the South China Sea.

She said; “We must stand up for principles such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, unimpeded lawful commerce, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and throughout the Indo-Pacific.”