China has condemned America for a «serious political and military provocation» after a US Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built
China has condemned America for a «serious polit ical and military provocation» after a US Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of an artificial islan d built in disputed waters.
The operation in the South China Sea was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters.
It came amid heightened tensions between the two nations, after Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on up to $60 billi on (£42 billion) in Chinese goods, moving the world’s two largest economies closer to a trade war.
The USS Mustin warship travelled close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands and performed manoeuvres, US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Reuters news agency.
China ‘s Defence Ministry said its navy sent two ships to identify the US destroyer and warn it to leave.
“What the US is doing will damage the military-to-military relations and atmosphere,” a spokesman said. “It could easily cause misjudgments and accidents at air or sea. This is a serious political and military provocation
«We demand the US side earnestly respects China ‘s sovereignty and security and the strong wishes of countries in the region to protect peace, stability and tranquility, and not make trouble out of nothing and stir up havoc.
