this U.S. Navy Said it sent a destroyer to challenge the “excessive maritime claims” South China Sea Passed sailing near one of the warships on Wednesday ChinaFortifications in the Spratly Islands.
Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Benford Carried out the second freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) Will be reported by the Navy this year, after which Similar mission Controversial Paracel Islands In July.
FONOP brought U.S. ships to within 12 nautical miles Mischief Reef, The US 7th Fleet stated on its website.Quote United Nations The UNCLOS statement stated that the islands and reefs are controlled by China, but they are also claimed by China. the Philippines, Vietnam with Taiwan-No right to own territorial waters because it is submerged at high tide.
one Island building movement Since the mid-2010s, the Chinese government has seen other landforms in the atolls and energy-rich oceans, as well as the strengthening of runways and airports, changing its natural state.
“The land reclamation work, facilities, and structure on Mischief Reef have not changed this characteristic under international law,” the 7th Fleet said in one of its most detailed reports to date. “By carrying out normal operations within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef, the United States has demonstrated that ships can legally exercise freedom of the high seas in these areas.”
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague reaffirmed the definition of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in this case Philippines v. China, Including other findings, ruled that Mischief Reef belongs to the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) claimed to have historical rights to every island in the South China Sea, and as part of its “nine-dash line”, rejected this judgment.
In a statement online, Tian Junli, People’s Liberation Army The spokesperson said that USS Benford “Illegal entry into the waters of the Meiji Reef without the permission of the Chinese government”, using the Chinese name for the reef.
Tian said that the destroyer was “tracked, monitored, warned and expelled” by the Chinese Navy and Air Force-a repetition of similar statements made during past encounters in the area. He accused the United States of “violating China’s sovereignty and security” and “creating risks” in the region.
In its response to the original statement, the 7th Fleet described China’s statement as “false” and added: “The U.S. Navy Benford This FONOP was carried out in accordance with international law, and then continued normal operations in international waters.
“This action reflects our commitment to the principles of safeguarding freedom of navigation and legal use of the sea. The United States will continue to fly, navigate and operate wherever international law allows, just like USS Benford Did it here. What the People’s Republic of China says will not stop us. “
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Deanna C. Gonzales, First Class, U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist
Deanna C. Gonzales, First Class, U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist
Mass Communication Specialist I Benjamin A. Lewis/U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy BenfordFONOP is a new one launched from China Maritime Reporting Act For foreign ships passing through its “territorial waters,” Beijing also uses the term to describe the waters around the disputed islands it claims.this new rule Effective September 1.
“The U.S. military frequently asserts freedom of navigation around the world. All our operations are designed to be conducted in accordance with international law and to show that the United States will fly, navigate, and operate wherever international law allows – no matter where it is located. Excessive maritime claims. , Regardless of current events,” the 7th Fleet’s statement said.
“The freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea is part of the daily operations in the South China Sea. American armies The power of the entire region,” it concluded.
During the visit Singapore August and Vietnam, Vice President Kamala Harris Say China is guilty Intimidation, intimidation with Bullying Oppose other claimants in the region.
Harris stated that the United States will maintain its “Strong presence in the South China Sea“To counter Beijing’s comprehensive claims to almost the entire region.
