Beijing lashes out at US for South China Sea sail-by
China on 30 November scolded the US for sending naval vessels close to disputed islands in the South China Sea where Beijing has built military installations.
The US and its allies have in recent times sent planes and warships to the area for ‘freedom of navigation’ operations, intended as a signal to Beijing of their right under international law to pass through the waters claimed by China.
The USS Chancellorsville guided missile destroyer on 27 November entered waters off the Paracel Islands, known as Xisha in Chinese, said People's Liberation Army Southern Theatre spokesman Li Huamin in a statement.
Aircraft and warships were scrambled, sending out warnings for the American vessel to leave the area.
‘We urge the US to strengthen the management of its vessels and aircraft that pass by Chinese territory to prevent unexpected events,’ Li said.
China has also lodged a diplomatic complaint with the US, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said during a regular press briefing, calling on the US to ‘immediately stop such provocative actions that violate China's sovereignty’.
The Paracels are claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it.
Further angering those countries, and the US, Beijing has moved aggressively to build up reefs into artificial islands capable of hosting military planes.
It was the second US naval operation to irk China this week.
On 28 November, two US ships sailed through the Taiwan Strait - which China considers its territory but the US and others see as international waters open to all - prompting a furious Beijing to send warships and fighter jets.
This was the third such operation this year, including one last month which prompted a diplomatic protest.
The naval tensions come just ahead of scheduled talked between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Argentina this weekend aimed at softening trade tensions.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea
The low-cost, anti-ship, precision-guided 500lb class capability was launched by a USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
-
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.