US Warship Near Sabina Shoal Draws Chinese Response
China’s military said on Tuesday its Southern Theatre Command sent forces to track the US littoral combat ship USS Charleston, which it said “illegally intruded” into waters near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands, Reuters reported via Kyodo News. Beijing urged Washington to “immediately cease such activities.”
A US 7th Fleet spokesperson said the ship conducted routine operations in international waters consistent with international law. Philippine military spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said no nation can require prior permission for lawful transit, AFP reported.
In Manila, Palace press officer Claire Castro said President Marcos will not block lawmakers’ resolutions to declare China’s ambassador, Jing Quan, persona non grata, but urged against reckless decisions, The Philippine Star reported. The Chinese embassy replied on Facebook: “Since you don’t welcome us, we don’t welcome you, either.”
The accounts describe shadowing and sharp statements; none reports a collision.