BEIJING: The United States (US) Navy said its guided-missile destroyer USS Milius conducted a navigational rights and freedoms mission in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands on Monday.
The announcement came as the Chinese army simulated precision strikes against Taiwan in military drills around the island amid a growing tussle between China and the United States in the region. The United States Navy said that the navel operation by the destroyer was consistent with international law.
US Navy’s stance
The United States Navy said that “After the operation, USS Milius exited the excessive claim place and continued navy operations in the South China Sea, and this freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea.”
In March, China and the United States sparred over the movement of the USS Milius, which China said entered its territorial waters in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands.
On April 10, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands, consistent with international law.
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— 7th Fleet (@US7thFleet) April 10, 2023
China claims expensive swathes of the place that overlap with exclusive economic zones of numerous countries, including the Philippines. Trillions of dollars in trade flow annually through the waterway.
China, this week has held multiple military exercises involving aircraft and ships near Taiwan, after the island’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, returned from a visit to the United States, which included meetings with Kevin McCarthy, the House Speaker and other United States lawmakers.
