Tensions in the South China Sea: China demands that US Navy ships leave ‘immediately’

China ordered a US Navy destroyer to leave the South China Sea “immediately” after entering the waters around the Paracel Islands.

On Friday, China’s Defense Ministry announced that the guided-missile destroyer USS John McCain had entered the waters around the disputed islands without permission from the Chinese government, according to Express.

After spotting the American warship, the Chinese military quickly ordered the ship to leave, before dispatching forces to carry out tracking procedures.

Lieutenant Colonel Zhang Nandong also urged the US @ to stop violating China’s sovereignty in the area @.

“We urge the United States to immediately stop such provocations, while closely monitoring and restricting military activities at sea and in the air,” he said.

He also said that China “will continue to take necessary measures to protect regional stability in the South China Sea.”

China accuses the United States of trying to increase its presence in the region by sending warships to conduct free navigation operations.

Due to its huge navy, Beijing was able to exert increasing pressure on neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam to claim islands it considers their own.

In response, Washington tried to take a tough stance on Beijing.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has strongly warned of the growth of Xi’s naval empire.

Before that, he stated: “It is clear to us: Beijing’s claim to offshore resources in most of the South China Sea is completely against the law, as well as an intimidation campaign to control them.

In the South China Sea, we seek to maintain peace and stability, maintain freedom at sea in a manner consistent with international law, maintain an unhindered flow of trade, and oppose any attempts to use it. coercion or force to resolve a dispute.

“We share these deep and enduring interests with many of our allies and partners who have long supported a rules-based international order.

“Beijing uses intimidation to undermine the sovereignty of Southeast Asian coastal states in the South China Sea, intimidate them to involve offshore resources, assert unilateral and self-government. Give me the right to replace international law.

“The world will not allow Beijing to see the South China Sea as its maritime empire.”