China is angry: The US destroyer USS Halsey entered Chinese territorial waters „without permission.” The US Navy waves it off.

BEIJING – Against the backdrop of increasing tensions in the South China Sea China On Friday, the United States responded with sharp words to the passage of a US Navy ship near a group of disputed islands. Military spokesman Tian Junli said on Friday that “the US actions seriously violate China’s sovereignty and security.” Thus, the United States creates “security risks in the South China Sea” and is “the greatest destroyer of peace and stability in the region.”

According to military spokesman Tian, ​​the missile destroyer USS Halsey entered Chinese territorial waters near the Xisha Islands “illegally and without permission from the Chinese authorities.” „Xisha Islands” is the Chinese term for the Paracel Islands. China sent naval and air forces to „track and monitor” the ship „in accordance with laws and regulations” and „issued an alert to redirect it away.”

Tensions in the South China Sea: US confirms passage of USS Halsey

The US Navy confirmed the ship’s passage, saying it „asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands.” “Unlawful and extensive maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to freedom of the seas,” she said.

China has established a number of military bases on the Paracel Islands, although Vietnam and Taiwan also claim sovereignty over the island chain. The United States and its allies frequently send warships to the region to bolster their claim to freedom of passage.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s air force conducted a military exercise in the Penghu Islands, which are located a few kilometers from the Chinese coast and are administered by Taiwan. Several fighter jets fired live ammunition, including missiles and US-made laser-guided bombs, according to video footage distributed by Taiwan’s military news agency. These were „routine training” for fighter pilots in which they practiced their „skills in precision strikes in air combat.”

The exercises come ten days before the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, who won the elections last January and whom Beijing describes as a „dangerous separatist.”

China increases its pressure on Taiwan

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that should be reunited with the mainland – by military force if necessary. In recent years, China has increased its pressure on Taiwan, regularly sending fighter jets and warships near the island.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and the United States concluded joint military exercises in areas near disputed maritime areas. Exercises Balikatan („Shoulder to Shoulder” in the language widely spoken in the Philippines, Tagalog) began on 22 April and also involved one hundred Australian soldiers. (AFP)