The US Navy has disputed a claim by Beijing that one of its warships, the USS Charleston, had entered the South China Sea illegally.
What happened
A Chinese military spokesperson stated that the USS Charleston had entered waters near Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Jiao, without authorization. However, a US Navy 7th Fleet spokesperson countered that the ship was conducting routine operations in international waters, consistent with international law.
The incident occurred in an area of the South China Sea that is claimed by China, but is also within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under international law. The Philippines has confirmed its commitment to maintaining a presence at Sabina Shoal, which is approximately 75 nautical miles west of Palawan.
The US Navy has operated in the region for decades, alongside its allies and partners, and has stated that it will continue to do so in support of regional peace, stability, and security. The Chinese military has dispatched forces to track and monitor the US vessel, according to a Chinese military spokesperson.
