US and China clash in South China Sea

A U.S. Navy destroyer recently carried out a freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea, according to a statement provided to Newsweek by the U.S. Navy.

The operation took place near the Spratly Islands, a disputed group of islands claimed by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The U.S. Navy has maintained a presence in the region to enforce freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law.

The U.S. Seventh Fleet, which oversees U.S. naval operations in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, confirmed to Newsweek that on May 12, the USS Dewey, a guided-missile destroyer, asserted its rights and freedoms of navigation in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands.

“This freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized by international law by challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam,” the Seventh Fleet said in an email.

In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Sunday: “On the South China Sea, there has never been any problem with regard to freedom of navigation and overflight there. China has always been committed to working with countries concerned to properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation, while safeguarding China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with laws and regulations.”

(QG - Source: Newsweek — Picture : © Unsplash)