BEIJING: The Chinese military has alleged that the United States (US) naval destroyer USS Hopper entered China’s territorial waters without approval, escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea.
According to an official statement on the Chinese People Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command’s WeChat account, the military deployed naval and air forces to “track, monitor, and warn away” the USS Hopper in response to the perceived violation.
The statement from the Chinese military categorically stated that the incident “proves that the United States is an out-and-out ‘security risk creator’ in the South China Sea.” China has consistently opposed what it perceives as unauthorized entries into its territorial waters, particularly in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
China Accuses Philippines of Enlisting “Foreign Forces” for Patrols in South China Sea
This development comes in the wake of China accusing the Philippines of enlisting “foreign forces” for patrols in the South China Sea. The Philippines has conducted joint patrols with the United States, drawing criticism from China.
Earlier in November, the United States and China engaged in “candid” talks on maritime issues, including the South China Sea. The US State Department mentioned that during the talks, the US side emphasized its concerns about what it deemed “dangerous and unlawful” actions by China in the contested region.
