US warship intrudes into Chinese-claimed waters in South China Sea
By
Peter Symonds
3 July 2017
The Trump administration took another step toward a far more confrontational stance against China by giving the green light for another so-called freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) in Chinese-claimed waters in the South China Sea on Sunday.
The US Navy sent the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem within the 12-nautical-mile territorial limit around Triton Island in the Paracel island group, which has been under Chinese control since 1974. The latest operation comes less than six weeks after an incursion by the USS Dewey close to the Chinese-held islet of Mischief Reef in the Spratly island group.
Sunday’s naval provocation followed last week’s US approval of a substantial $1.4 billion arms deal to Taiwan and imposition of sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals over their involvement in trade with North Korea.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang denounced the arms sale as impinging on the country’s sovereignty and “contrary to Washington’s commitment to the One China policy,” under which the US recognises Beijing as the sole legitimate government of all China, including Taiwan.
Beijing also expressed concerns last week over legislation approved by a US Senate panel to allow US warships to make regular port visits to Taiwan.
Responding to Sunday’s US naval intrusion, Lu called on Washington to “immediately stop such kinds of provocative operations that violate China’s sovereignty and threaten China’s security.” He warned: “The Chinese side will continue to take all necessary means to defend national sovereignty and security.”
Lu said China had sent military vessels and fighter aircraft to warn off the US destroyer, adding that “the…