Amid tensions in the South China Sea with China, the US State Department in a document hit out against the "unlawful" claims by President Xi's government.

China lays claim to the disputed islands in the South China Sea, however, other countries including Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines also claim areas surrounding the sea bringing them in conflict with the Chinese regime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nanning-how-chinas-new-warship-with-anti-stealth-radar-is-set-to-change-balance-in-south-china-sea-392163">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;China's new warship is set to change balance in South China Sea</a>

"The overall effect of these maritime claims is that the PRC unlawfully claims sovereignty or some form of exclusive jurisdiction over most of the South China Sea," the US document said.

The US State Department said China should halt "unlawful and coercive activities" in the South China Sea. US warships have often sailed through the disputed waters angering China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/aircraft-carrier-killer-why-us-china-tested-missiles-on-same-day-amid-tension-at-south-china-sea-318653">Also Read |&nbsp;Aircraft carrier killer: Why US, China tested missiles on same day amid tension at South China Sea</a>

An international court in 2016 had rejected China's claims over the island, however, the Chinese regime refused to abide by the verdict.

The US State Department said there was "no legal basis" for China's so-called "historic rights". The US State Department also rejected the "island group" criteria put forward by China.

"These claims gravely undermine the rule of law in the oceans and numerous universally recognized provisions of international law reflected in the Convention," it said

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-bomber-carries-out-mine-laying-exercise-in-south-china-sea-434578">Also Read:&nbsp;China's bomber carries out mine laying exercise in South China Sea</a>

The former Trump administration had earlier opened backed the claims of southeast nations in the South China Sea challenging China. The area is rich with mineral and gas deposits with southeast nations fearful of China's growing military influence in the region.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions in the South China Sea with China, the US State Department in a document hit out against the "unlawful" claims by President Xi's government. China lays claim to the disputed islands in the South China Sea, however, other countries including Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines also claim areas surrounding the sea bringing them in conflict with the Chinese regime.

Amid tensions in the South China Sea with China, the US State Department in a document hit out against the "unlawful" claims by President Xi's government. China lays claim to the disputed islands in the South China Sea, however, other countries including Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines also claim areas surrounding the sea bringing them in conflict with the Chinese regime. Also Read in Pics: China's new warship is set to change balance in South China Sea "The overall effect of these maritime claims is that the PRC unlawfully claims sovereignty or some form of exclusive jurisdiction over most of the South China Sea," the US document said. The US State Department said China should halt "unlawful and coercive activities" in the South China Sea. US warships have often sailed through the disputed waters angering China. Also Read | Aircraft carrier killer: Why US, China tested missiles on same day amid tension at South China Sea An international court in 2016 had rejected China's claims over the island, however, the Chinese regime refused to abide by the verdict. The US State Department said there was "no legal basis" for China's so-called "historic rights". The US State Department also rejected the "island group" criteria put forward by China. "These claims gravely undermine the rule of law in the oceans and numerous universally recognized provisions of international law reflected in the Convention," it said Also Read: China's bomber carries out mine laying exercise in South China Sea The former Trump administration had earlier opened backed the claims of southeast nations in the South China Sea challenging China. The area is rich with mineral and gas deposits with southeast nations fearful of China's growing military influence in the region. (With inputs from Agencies)

China's claims in South China Sea gravely undermines rule of law: US State Department study

HMS Queen Elizabeth, a British aircraft carrier, and its Carrier Strike Group have entered the South China Sea, a territory predominantly claimed by China, reports the UK Defence Journal.

China claims practically the whole 1.3 million-square-mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has blamed foreign warships for escalating tensions in the region.

Freedom of navigation operations (or FONOPs) are routinely conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to counter what Washington refers to as "attempts by coastal states to unjustly limit access to the seas."

Both the US and the UK have previously enraged China by conducting FONOPs in the South China Sea to assert freedom of navigation rights. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: British warship to challenge Beijing in South China Sea

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The HMS Queen Elizabeth is escorted by six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer, and a Dutch frigate, and is carrying eight F-35B Lightning II fast jets, four Wildcat maritime attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, and three Merlin Mk4 commando helicopters on deck.

China has been carrying out incursions, sinking foreign ships, establishing new districts, giving Chinese names to islands, building new artificial islands and using fishing vessels as maritime militias in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea is a strategic waterway surrounded by six nations, such as China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. &nbsp;

Two groups of islands here are at the centre of a fierce territorial dispute. The first is the Paracel Archipelago, contested by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The second is the Spratly Islands, disputed between China and all other five nations. These islands are strategic because they are surrounded by waters teeming with marine life and are rich in oil and gas resources. &nbsp;

One-third of the world's shipping traffic also passes through the South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

HMS Queen Elizabeth, a British aircraft carrier, and its Carrier Strike Group have entered the South China Sea, a territory predominantly claimed by China, reports the UK Defence Journal.

HMS Queen Elizabeth, a British aircraft carrier, and its Carrier Strike Group have entered the South China Sea, a territory predominantly claimed by China, reports the UK Defence Journal. China claims practically the whole 1.3 million-square-mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory, and it has blamed foreign warships for escalating tensions in the region. Freedom of navigation operations (or FONOPs) are routinely conducted by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to counter what Washington refers to as "attempts by coastal states to unjustly limit access to the seas." Both the US and the UK have previously enraged China by conducting FONOPs in the South China Sea to assert freedom of navigation rights. Watch | Gravitas: British warship to challenge Beijing in South China Sea The HMS Queen Elizabeth is escorted by six Royal Navy ships, a Royal Navy submarine, a US Navy destroyer, and a Dutch frigate, and is carrying eight F-35B Lightning II fast jets, four Wildcat maritime attack helicopters, seven Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, and three Merlin Mk4 commando helicopters on deck. China has been carrying out incursions, sinking foreign ships, establishing new districts, giving Chinese names to islands, building new artificial islands and using fishing vessels as maritime militias in the South China Sea. The South China Sea is a strategic waterway surrounded by six nations, such as China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Two groups of islands here are at the centre of a fierce territorial dispute. The first is the Paracel Archipelago, contested by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. The second is the Spratly Islands, disputed between China and all other five nations. These islands are strategic because they are surrounded by waters teeming with marine life and are rich in oil and gas resources. One-third of the world's shipping traffic also passes through the South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire sea. (With inputs from agencies)

UK warship ignores Beijing warnings and enters the South China Sea

China said on Monday US warship USS Benfold had entered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-after-south-china-sea-ruling-chinas-presence-around-philippines-only-growing-397029">South China Sea</a> area near the Paracel Islands violating the sovereignty of the country.

The Chinese military asserted that it "drove&nbsp;away" the US warship.

"We urge the United States to immediately stop such provocative actions," China said.

Watch:

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The disputed island is claimed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vietnam-orders-netflix-to-remove-australian-spy-show-over-south-china-sea-map-395387">Vietnam</a>, Taiwan and China as the US Navy said under the Law of the Sea Convention says all ships "including warships enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-says-carrier-group-operating-in-south-china-sea-391584">US Navy</a> added that China claims are "inconsistent with international law" while adding that it cannot claim its territorial sea.

The US has insisted on the "freedom of the seas" while its warship have passed through the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits angering China.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken had earlier said that China continues to "coerce" and "intimidate" Southeast Asian coastal states.

"Nowhere is the rules-based maritime order under greater threat than in the South China Sea," the US secretary of state added.&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry however hit back saying the United States was harming peace and stability in the region as it asked the US to stop "stirring up trouble" in the South China Sea.

However, Blinken said: “We call on (China) to abide by its obligations under international law, cease its provocative behaviour, and take steps to reassure the international community that it is committed to the rules-based maritime order that respects the rights of all countries, big and small.”

China has rejected the international tribunal's&nbsp;decision's handed out in 2016 which said that its historical claim over the South China Sea islands was without basis.

(With inputs from Agencies)

China said on Monday US warship USS Benfold had entered the South China Sea area near the Paracel Islands violating the sovereignty of the country. The Chinese military asserted that it "drove away" the US warship.

China said on Monday US warship USS Benfold had entered the South China Sea area near the Paracel Islands violating the sovereignty of the country. The Chinese military asserted that it "drove away" the US warship. "We urge the United States to immediately stop such provocative actions," China said. Watch: The disputed island is claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan and China as the US Navy said under the Law of the Sea Convention says all ships "including warships enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea." The US Navy added that China claims are "inconsistent with international law" while adding that it cannot claim its territorial sea. The US has insisted on the "freedom of the seas" while its warship have passed through the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits angering China. US secretary of state Antony Blinken had earlier said that China continues to "coerce" and "intimidate" Southeast Asian coastal states. "Nowhere is the rules-based maritime order under greater threat than in the South China Sea," the US secretary of state added. China's foreign ministry however hit back saying the United States was harming peace and stability in the region as it asked the US to stop "stirring up trouble" in the South China Sea. However, Blinken said: “We call on (China) to abide by its obligations under international law, cease its provocative behaviour, and take steps to reassure the international community that it is committed to the rules-based maritime order that respects the rights of all countries, big and small.” China has rejected the international tribunal's decision's handed out in 2016 which said that its historical claim over the South China Sea islands was without basis. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Drove away' US warship from South China Sea, claims China

A German warship is set to sail through&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-expresses-concern-about-chinese-attempts-in-east-south-china-sea-365042">South China Sea</a> even as the United States warned China against the use of force in the disputed waters.

Watch:

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The United States hailed the move for a "rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific".

Germany said its warship will not pass within the 12-nautical-mile limit of China. It is the first German warship to cross the South China Sea since 2002.

"The international community has a vital stake in the preservation of an open maritime order,” the US State Department said. However, China said “they cannot take it as an excuse to undermine the sovereignty and security of littoral countries” while saying that countries enjoyed freedom of navigation in international waters.

US State Department had earlier expressed "concern" over China's new legislation which allowed its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships.&nbsp;

"We remind the PRC and all whose forces operate in the South China Sea that responsible maritime forces act with professionalism and restraint in the exercise of their authorities," State Department spokesman Ned Price had said.

The US has repeatedly rejected China's claims in the strategic waterway. President Biden during his&nbsp;first phone call to China's President Xi had asserted the importance of &nbsp;"a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Last month, a French nuclear-propelled submarine and warship patrolled the South China Sea under the freedom of navigation rule.

A German warship is set to sail through the South China Sea even as the United States warned China against the use of force in the disputed waters. Watch: The United States hailed the move for a "rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific".

A German warship is set to sail through the South China Sea even as the United States warned China against the use of force in the disputed waters. Watch: The United States hailed the move for a "rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific". Germany said its warship will not pass within the 12-nautical-mile limit of China. It is the first German warship to cross the South China Sea since 2002. "The international community has a vital stake in the preservation of an open maritime order,” the US State Department said. However, China said “they cannot take it as an excuse to undermine the sovereignty and security of littoral countries” while saying that countries enjoyed freedom of navigation in international waters. US State Department had earlier expressed "concern" over China's new legislation which allowed its coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships. "We remind the PRC and all whose forces operate in the South China Sea that responsible maritime forces act with professionalism and restraint in the exercise of their authorities," State Department spokesman Ned Price had said. The US has repeatedly rejected China's claims in the strategic waterway. President Biden during his first phone call to China's President Xi had asserted the importance of "a free and open Indo-Pacific." Last month, a French nuclear-propelled submarine and warship patrolled the South China Sea under the freedom of navigation rule.

German warship to sail through South China Sea

A French warship passed through the strategic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warships-pass-through-taiwan-strait-amid-china-tensions-192610">Taiwan Strait&nbsp;this month</a> as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month.&nbsp;

The passage, which was confirmed by China.

"The (French) national navy crosses the Taiwan Strait&nbsp;about once a year, without any incident nor reaction," an aide to French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said after China confirmed lodging an official protest over what was seen as a rare passage by a warship from a European power.

Beijing views self-governed and democratic Taiwan as its territory awaiting reunification, and any passage through the Strait is seen as defying that claim.

The French operation comes amid increasing tensions between the United States and China. Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom of navigation patrols.

China said on Thursday it had lodged "stern representations" with France for what it called an "illegal" passage.

"China’s military sent navy ships in accordance with the law and the rules to identify the French ship and warn it to leave," defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said.

The French strait passage comes against the backdrop of increasingly regular passages by US&nbsp;warships through the strategic waterway. Last month, the United States sent Navy and Coast Guard ships through the Taiwan Strait.

The passages upset China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. Beijing has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island.

Chen Chung-chi, spokesman for Taiwan's defense ministry, told Reuters by phone the strait is part of busy international waters and it is "a necessity" for vessels from all countries to transit through it. He said Taiwan's defense ministry will continue to monitor movement of foreign vessels in the region.

Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms.

(Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

A French warship passed through the strategic Taiwan Strait this month as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month.

A French warship passed through the strategic Taiwan Strait this month as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month. The passage, which was confirmed by China. "The (French) national navy crosses the Taiwan Strait about once a year, without any incident nor reaction," an aide to French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said after China confirmed lodging an official protest over what was seen as a rare passage by a warship from a European power. Beijing views self-governed and democratic Taiwan as its territory awaiting reunification, and any passage through the Strait is seen as defying that claim. The French operation comes amid increasing tensions between the United States and China. Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom of navigation patrols. China said on Thursday it had lodged "stern representations" with France for what it called an "illegal" passage. "China’s military sent navy ships in accordance with the law and the rules to identify the French ship and warn it to leave," defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said. The French strait passage comes against the backdrop of increasingly regular passages by US warships through the strategic waterway. Last month, the United States sent Navy and Coast Guard ships through the Taiwan Strait. The passages upset China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. Beijing has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island. Chen Chung-chi, spokesman for Taiwan's defense ministry, told Reuters by phone the strait is part of busy international waters and it is "a necessity" for vessels from all countries to transit through it. He said Taiwan's defense ministry will continue to monitor movement of foreign vessels in the region. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

China protests as French warship passes through Taiwan Strait