A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer once again demonstrated freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea west of the Philippines on Tuesday, countering official Chinese claims, a Seventh Fleet spokesman said.
The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain conducted a freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea on Tuesday.
In a statement, the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet wrote, “This freedom of navigation operation upholds maritime rights and freedoms recognized by international law and the legitimate use of maritime areas by challenging restrictions on innocent passage by China, Vietnam and Taiwan. All interactions with foreign military forces were consistent with international norms and did not compromise operations.”
Six countries, including the Philippines, China, Vietnam and Taiwan, claim sovereignty over more than 100 small uninhabited islands and parts of a chain of coral reefs that are rich in fishing grounds and potential oil and gas deposits.
Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and China have established outposts or bases there. China claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea and has established bases capable of housing fighter jets and other advanced weapons.
According to U.S. Navy statements, China, Vietnam and Taiwan want U.S. Navy ships to give notice before passing through the waters of the Spratly Islands. The U.S. often challenges these restrictions and demands with freedom of navigation operations like the one conducted by the McCain on Tuesday.
According to a statement from a Seventh Fleet spokesman, the McCain did not seek permission or give prior warning before passing through the Spratly Islands to “demonstrate that legitimate passage may not be subject to such restrictions.
The statement said, “Illegal and sweeping claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea pose a serious threat to freedom of the seas, including freedom of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for countries bordering the South China Sea.”
Chinese official media said the McCain intruded into the waters of the Spratly Islands and left after being warned by Chinese naval and air forces.
A U.S. Navy statement refuted that claim. The statement said that “all interactions with foreign forces during the voyage were consistent with international norms and did not affect this operation.”
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