The Curtis Wilbur’s passage near Triton Island marks the first freedom of navigation patrol in the South China Sea since the U.S. Navy sailed the USS Lassen within 12 nautical miles of Subi Reef in the Spratly Islands, marking 95 days between the two operations.
Advertisement
“The excessive claims regarding Triton Island are inconsistent with global law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention”, said a US Department of Defense statement.
“The US warship violated Chinese law and entered China’s territorial sea without authorisation”, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.
But Yang described the U.S. move as “very unprofessional and irresponsible” for the safety of the troops of both sides, and may cause “extremely risky consequences”.
The ministry also said that Chinese navy vessels had immediately taken responsive action, conducted identification checks and promptly gave warnings for the ship to keep its distance.
“It is important to recognise that all states have a right under global law to freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, including in the South China Sea”.
No prior notice of the US vessel’s transit was given to China or any other regional authorities, “which is consistent with our normal process and worldwide law”, the Pentagon spokesman said.
As most of the region’s flow of commerce in foreign trade passes through the sea lanes in the South China Sea, it is in the fundamental interest of all coastal countries, including China, to preserve the freedom of navigation in the area, the news agency reiterated in its commentary.
According to official Chinese data, the South China Sea covers 3.55 million square km.
“This operation was about challenging excessive maritime claims that restrict the rights and freedoms of the United States and others, not about territorial claims to land features”, said Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman.
Citing historic grounds, China has laid claim to nearly the entire South China Sea and its islands, reefs and atolls. The island is administered and occupied by the Republic of China, but other countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, also claim sovereignty.
“The long-term impact of this [freedom of navigation operation] will be measured by follow-on challenges to the PRC’s claims from all nations in the region”.
On Thursday, the leader of Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou visited another disputed island in the South China Sea to reaffirm China’s sovereignty over the area.
In a statement on Saturday, Mr. McCain said he was “encouraged” by the news.
In addition, this situation forms part of the wider picture of China’s gradual rise as a world power, and the only credible challenger to United States hegemony.
Advertisement
“This operation demonstrated, as the president and secretary have stated, that we will fly, sail and operate anywhere worldwide law allows”, Davis said. State media quoted Binh as reiterating Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Paracels and Spratlys and calling on nations to actively and practically contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea.
