China Tells US to Rein in Frontline Forces After South China Sea ‘Infringement’

China tells US to rein in frontline forces after South China Sea ‘infringement’

Beijing protests over USS Higgins’ presence near Scarborough Shoal while American navy says its presence is lawful.

China Condemns US Warship’s Entry Near Huangyan Dao

China has strongly condemned the US Navy destroyer USS Higgins for what it described as an illegal entry into the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea, warning Washington to immediately halt such “provocative actions.” According to China’s Ministry of National Defence (MND), the incident occurred when the US vessel sailed without Beijing’s approval and was subsequently driven away by Chinese forces. The Southern Theatre Comm…

VIDEO NEWS REPORT: US sends warships to South China Sea after Chinese naval collision

The Chinese Communist Party claimed it had "driven away" the US ships, but a US Navy spokesman denied this, saying the USS Higgins was conducting a lawful freedom-of-navigation operation before continuing routine activities. China claims ownership of the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that its blockade of the area was illegal. Beijing has rejected the ruling and continues to maintain a permanent military pre…