Beijing, Washington Engage In Blame Game Over US Warship In Disputed South China Sea

Beijing said the recent incident “proves that the United States is an out-and-out ‘security risk creator’ in the South China Sea”.

China and the US traded accusations over the disputed South China Sea. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

New Delhi: China and the United States accused each other over the disputed South China Sea after Beijing claimed an American warship had entered its territorial waters without approval while US Navy said it was on a routine navigation, news agency Reuters reported.

In a post on the official WeChat account of the Chinese People Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command, the Chinese military said that it deployed its naval and air forces to “track, monitor and warn away” the American vessel.

However, the US Navy said it had “asserted navigational rights in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law”, Reuters reported.

According to the news agency, China said the recent incident “proves that the United States is an out-and-out ‘security risk creator’ in the South China Sea”.

Responding to Beijing’s accusation, deputy spokesperson of the US 7th Fleet, Lieutenant Kristina Weidemann, in an emailed statement said, “The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant. Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas.”

It is to be noted that Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, even parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. However, Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China’s claims had no legal basis.

It is to be noted that China and the US traded accusations over the disputed South China Sea days after Beijing alleged that the Philippines had enlisted “foreign forces” to patrol its territorial waters, Reuters reported.

Notably, earlier this month, China and the US held “candid” discussions over maritime issues, including the South China Sea. According to the US State department, Washington flagged what it termed “dangerous and unlawful” Chinese actions in the region, Reuters reported.