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US conducts latest South China Sea sail-by amid trade talks
WASHINGTON, Jan 7, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – A US Navy guided-missile destroyer on
Monday sailed near disputed islands in the South China Sea where Beijing has
built military installations, sparking anger in China as trade talks between
the two countries kicked off.
The US and its allies periodically send planes and warships through the
area, which is claimed by China, to signal to Beijing their right under
international law to pass through the waters.
The USS McCampbell sailed within 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres) of the
Paracel Islands “to challenge excessive maritime claims,” US Pacific Fleet
spokeswoman Rachel McMarr told AFP.
She added that so-called “freedom of navigation” operations are “not about
any one country, nor are they about making political statements.”
Beijing confirmed the sail-by, calling it a violation of China’s
sovereignty which has damaged “peace, safety and order” in the South China
Sea.
Aircraft and warships were scrambled, sending out warnings for the American
vessel to leave the area, known as Xisha in Chinese.
“We urge the US to immediately stop such provocative actions,” Chinese
foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular press briefing, adding that
Beijing had lodged a diplomatic complaint with Washington.
“China will continue to take the necessary measures to defend national
sovereignty and security.”
The operation came as Chinese and US officials kicked off talks in Beijing
to find a solution to a bitter trade war that prompted the two sides to
impose tariffs last year on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade.
“All operations… demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail and
operate wherever international law allows. That is true in the South China
Sea as in other places around the globe,” McMarr said.
The Paracel Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Beijing asserts nearly all of the South China Sea as its territory, while
Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts.
BSS/AFP/RY/1610 hrs