Beijing slams US over 'illegal' intrusion of American warship in South China Sea
USS Milius
China on Monday (April 10) slammed the United States for the "illegal" intrusion of a warship into waters Beijing claims in the South China Sea. The US earlier said that in a "freedom of navigation" operation, its guided-missile destroyer the USS Milius sailed through waters claimed by Beijing.
The US warship apparently sailed near one of the most important man-made and Chinese-controlled islands. The statement revealed that the ship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef, which is about 1,400 kilometres from the southern tip of Taiwan's mainland.
A statement by the Navy noted that the operation "upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea". The US Navy's 7th Fleet said in a statement: "Under customary international law ... features like Mischief Reef that is submerged at high tide in their naturally formed state are not entitled to a territorial sea."
ALSO READ |US intel leak includes Ukraine war, Mossad details: Is America spying on allies?
It added, "The land reclamation efforts, installations, and structures built on Mischief Reef do not change this characterisation under international law."
Meanwhile, China's People's Liberation Army said that the US warship had "illegally" entered waters near the reef without Chinese approval/ China also said that the vessel was monitored by the forces and a warning was also issued.
)
Nigeria: Protesters take to the streets, police fire shots
)
US-Iran war: Tehran draws red lines — seven demands before any peace talks
)
Russia-Europe tensions: Polish PM warns Russian attacks could test NATO's unity
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Not the US or China’: These are the countries leading the world in arable land
)
EXCLUSIVE | Singer Hanita Bhambri on her Toxic debut, working with Vishal Mishra and more
)
Mark Carney mimics Trump in hilarious moment over C$70 billion clean-energy investment; room erupts in laughter
)
Delhi voter roll shake-up: 3.31 million electors flagged in SIR review
)
Aravana prasadam shortage at Sabarimala temple in Kerala triggers protests, TDB questioned
)
‘End of my career...’: NSA Doval recalls tense Sikkim mission when China captured Indian intelligence team
)
Report: Iran rebuilding Taleghan 2, nuclear site tied to past weapons research, hit twice by Israel
)
Trump defends AI amid growing alarm, announces new 'AI force' and promises an 'AI czar'
)
Iran sets 7 conditions to end war with US: What are Tehran’s demands?
)
Trump announces ‘AI Force’ as debate grows over AI risks and regulation
)
China may have gained access to US's classified F-35 jets; parts meant for repairs diverted to Hong Kong, sparking Pentagon inquiry
)
Gaza under attack: Health chief's son killed in IDF strikes
)
Arvind Kejriwal, family members, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta get SIR notices
)
Cochin shipyard starts building Indian Navy's next-gen missile vessels
)
Saudi vs Houthis: Houthis claim missiles & drones used in attack on key Saudi sites
)
Ed Sheeran addresses Macklemore's removal, Gaza conflict during Philadelphia concert: 'I cannot hide how I feel'
)
Nepal forms 7-member panel to probe August 26 Bhotekoshi flood from source to downstream
)
‘Will go to any extent’: Pakistan vows to defend Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks
66 years of the Indus Waters Treaty: How India and Pakistan settled a bitter river dispute
)
The Verdict | When precision fails: US commits war crime in Minab school strike, UN finds
)
9 women found dead near Johannesburg: South Africans rally, demand 'enough' to femicide
)
Kampala-Ankara rift deepens: Uganda suspends military ties, seeks Fred Lumbuye's extradition
)
Several petrol pumps, other businesses to refuse UPI payments above Rs 2,000 from Oct 16: Is it legal?
)
US-Iran war: Tehran sets seven conditions to re-engage in talks with US
)
Reacher star Alan Ritchson opens up about alleged blackmail, suicide attempt during difficult period
)
Africa is splitting, and a lot sooner than estimated, giving way to a new ocean
)
Flying cars in UAE: Ras Al Khaimah signs deal with Chinese company to test new transport
)
West Indies Squad for India Series: Hetmyer included for T20Is, Holder rested
)
Trump bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House over ‘FAKE NEWS’
)
Trump 2.0: Dark days ahead for America’s ‘imperial presidency’
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How many F-35s does Britain, Japan and Israel have?
)
Harry Brook targets long reign at top of T20I rankings after Sri Lanka sweep
)
Russia's deadly Ukraine strikes kill 2 in Sumy, hit Dnipro mall
)
Russia holds first parliamentary elections since the beginning of the Ukraine war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 Indian batters with fastest T20I centuries
)
Raphinha hat-trick powers Barcelona to 3-1 win over Sevilla in La Liga
)
WATCH |China Military Exercises: Chinese drills after meet between Taiwan President and US House Speaker
The so-called intrusion occurred at a time when Chinese fighter jets and warships are carrying out military drills around Taiwan, which escalated the tensions. China has also practised simulated strikes on the island.
The military drills come in the background of a headliner meeting last week between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy outside Los Angeles.
While reacting to the meeting, the Chinese defence ministry said that the army "adheres to its duties and missions, maintains a high degree of alert at all times, resolutely defends national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely maintains peace and stability in Taiwan Strait".
Meanwhile, Washington said it was "monitoring Beijing's actions closely" and Taipei condemned the military exercises. On Monday, Beijing said fighter jets carrying "live ammunition" had conducted "simulated strikes" near Taiwan and that its Shandong aircraft carrier was involved in the ongoing exercises.
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.