Skip to main content

US incursion stirs up anger over disputed Spratly Islands

BEIJING expressed its indignation yesterday after the US entered disputed territorial waters in the South China Sea.

Early yesterday the destroyer USS Lassen sailed within the 12-mile limit of Zhubi reef in the Spratly Islands, whose ownership is disputed by six regional nations.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry express its “strong discontent” and “resolute opposition” to the violation.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said: “The actions of the US warship have threatened China’s sovereignty and security interests, jeopardised the safety of personnel and facilities on the reefs, and damaged regional peace and stability.”

Mr Lu called on the US to “immediately correct its wrongdoing.”

Rather than encourage negotiations between the rival claimants, the US has opted for confrontation. In May a US navy P8 surveillance aircraft overflew China’s Fiery Cross reef, provoking a similar diplomatic incident.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 9,899
We need:£ 8,101
12 Days remaining
Donate today