Beijing Protests US Destroyer Passage Through South China Sea

On Thursday, the Chinese government strongly protested the passage of a US Navy destroyer equipped with guided missiles near the artificial islands built by China in the South China Sea. This is the first action by the US government during Donald Trump's presidency to challenge China's territorial claims in this maritime area. According to the Associated Press, the Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that it has requested explanations from responsible US officials regarding this matter. In recent years, the Chinese government has constructed these artificial islands to bolster its territorial claims. Although the US Navy has not yet responded to Thursday's operation, Washington has previously emphasized its right to free navigation in the South China Sea, as it is considered international waters. The US Navy conducted similar operations during Barack Obama's presidency, but since the beginning of Donald Trump's presidency, which initiated negotiations with China aimed at improving relations and expanding cooperation on issues like the North Korean crisis, this is the first time the US Navy has approached China's artificial islands. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the US destroyer has crossed a boundary near these islands that is considered an indisputable territory of China. He added, 'We urge the US government to correct this mistake and refrain from actions that would harm peace and stability in the region and long-term cooperation between the two countries.' The Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesperson also mentioned in a monthly press conference that after the entry of the US destroyer into Chinese maritime territory, two Chinese naval vessels warned it. He added, 'We ask the US to take specific actions to correct this mistake and pay more attention to military cooperation between the two countries.' This spokesperson further stated that the actions of the US Navy not only create the risk of accidental confrontations at sea but will also 'lead the Chinese armed forces to enhance their power and capabilities.' The Associated Press reminds that China considers all waters of the South China Sea as its territory and has recently pursued an aggressive policy to develop submerged rocky islands. China has built radar facilities and runways on some of these islands and has recently deployed weapon systems as well. Neighboring countries and the US strongly oppose this policy, viewing it as Chinese expansionism. The International Court of Justice rejected China's territorial claims in this maritime area last year, stating that China's actions have increased regional tensions and violated the territorial integrity of the Philippines, which claims ownership of part of this maritime area. The Chinese government has rejected this ruling. In this context, the US aircraft carrier group has begun patrolling the South China Sea.