China Denounces Intrusion of U.S. Warship in South China Sea

China today denounced the unauthorized entry of a U.S. military vessel into waters near the Xianbin Reef in the Nansha Islands, stating that it deployed naval forces to track and monitor the ship.

According to a statement from the Southern Theater Command Navy of the People's Liberation Army, the littoral combat ship USS Charleston entered the waters near the reef during the early morning hours without permission from the Chinese government.

The military institution noted that its forces acted in accordance with laws and regulations to track and monitor the movement of the vessel.

The statement affirmed that China holds sovereignty over the Nansha Islands—the local designation for the Spratly Archipelago—and adjacent waters.

Furthermore, it accused the United States of violating Beijing's sovereign rights and interests, as well as threatening maritime security and regional peace and stability.

The Southern Theater Command Navy urged Washington to immediately cease such activities, assuring that its forces remain on high alert to defend national sovereignty and security.

This reef is located in the South China Sea and serves as one of the key flashpoints between Beijing and Manila over territorial claims.