The Chinese military has alleged that a U.S. warship illegally entered the waters off the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea on Thursday.
Southern Theater Command spokesman Air Force Col. Tian Junli explained that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had monitored and warned the guided missile destroyer, according to Chinese state-run CGTN television.
Junli assured that this action »seriously undermines» peace and stability in the South China Sea region and that the PLA will remain on alert and take all necessary measures to »safeguard national sovereignty, security, peace and stability in the region».
Last July, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier ‘USS Ronald Reagan’ entered the waters of the South China Sea.
The latest escalation of tensions in the region began with the trip to the island by the then Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, in August last year.
Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers the territory under its sovereignty. The Chinese government’s fundamental policy toward Taiwan has so far been one of peaceful reunification under the »one country two systems» principle.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
