US warships to challenge China’s territorial claims in South China Sea: Report
The United States plans to sail warships in the South China Sea close to China’s artificial islands to signal it does not recognize Beijing’s territorial claims over the disputed area.
The US ships will sail within the 12-nautical-mile (22 km) zones that China claims as territory that surrounds some of the islands it has constructed in the Spratly Island chain, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing a senior US official.
The US official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the sea maneuvers were expected to start within the next two weeks, the report said.
The Navy Times newspaper had reported on Wednesday that the US Navy may soon receive approval from the White House to carry out the mission.
The move will likely raise tensions between the two nations amid disagreement over other issues, including cyber espionage and unfair trade practices.
On Thursday, China expressed "serious concern" about the US plan to challenge Beijing’s territorial claims.
Asked about the report at a regular news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China has long made clear its position on the South China Sea.
"I have not noticed the latest report you have mentioned. However, having heard what you said, we express serious concern about it," she said.
"We hope the US can look upon the current situation of the South China Sea from an objective and fair perspective and play a constructive role together with China in keeping the peace and stability in the South China Sea," she added.
Plans to send American warships through the contested sea in the vicinity of the Spratly Islands have been rumored since May.
China insists it has sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.
China and Japan also have conflicting claims in the East China Sea.
The US does not recognize China’s sovereignty in the disputed waters and has sent surveillance aircraft and warships to challenge Beijing’s territorial claims.
Observers believe America’s efforts to increase its presence in the region is aimed at containing China’s growing power.
Beijing accuses Washington of meddling in the regional disputes and deliberately stirring up tensions in the region.
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