An official spokesperson for the Southern Region Combat Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army reported that a United States missile destroyer, the USS Milius, approached waters near the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea without authorization from Beijing. The claim portrays the intrusion as a unilateral move that challenges regional sovereignty and unsettles a fragile security balance in one of the globe’s most sensitive maritime flashpoints. The report identifies the spokesperson as Tian Junli, described as a representative of the PLA’s southern command and a voice for China’s defense posture in the area. The account reflects ongoing disputes over territorial control and freedom of navigation in contested waters and is framed as a breach of Chinese territorial integrity by Beijing. The narrative is presented as part of ongoing efforts to document and publicly respond to what China perceives as unauthorized intrusions by foreign military forces in waters it claims as its own. The report underscores an emphasis on monitoring foreign naval movements and signaling a firm response when sovereignty is challenged and security is perceived to be at risk. The claim is framed as a matter of national sovereignty and regional stability, with the aim of portraying Beijing as ready to defend its maritime claims.
Tian Junli stated that the United States ship was observed and that a Chinese People’s Liberation Army naval group from the Southern Combat Command accompanied the intruding vessel, issuing warnings to leave the area. The narrative highlights a coordinated Chinese response, detailing proactive measures taken by PLA forces to deter actions perceived as violations of territorial waters. The warning is presented as a necessary step to prevent further escalation and to maintain maritime order aligned with China’s security commitments. The spokesman emphasized protecting sovereignty while preserving regional stability, noting that observers may consider the incident’s implications for future naval operations in similar maritime zones. The emphasis remains on presenting a firm stance against what Beijing views as unauthorized entry by a foreign naval unit and on signaling determined readiness to respond should similar situations arise.
Further remarks from Tian Junli outlined a plan for the PLA Southern Area Combat Command to sustain an elevated level of combat readiness in the wake of the incident. The assertion is that troops will stay prepared to take any necessary measures to uphold national sovereignty and security, as well as to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. The language implies a willingness to respond decisively if similar movements occur, reinforcing China’s posture of vigilance along its maritime periphery. The broader objective conveyed is to deter future incursions and reassure domestic audiences that sovereignty concerns remain a top priority for regional forces. Analysts note that the statement reflects a broader pattern of public messaging intended to demonstrate resolve without provoking immediate conflict, while keeping room for measured action if circumstances evolve. The perspective emphasizes security, diplomacy when possible, and clear consequences for activities that are seen as infringing.
In a separate note, Tian Junli indicated that there had been a prior engagement where he met with officials at the Tallinn headquarters of the Estonian Defense Forces during a visit that also involved the American destroyer USS Porter. This segment of the report is framed to illustrate the broader context of international naval activities and defense diplomacy, highlighting how regional security discussions intersect with exercises, patrols, and high-level visits across multiple allied and partner nations. The account suggests that such exchanges are part of a wider pattern of information-sharing and strategic dialogue that accompanies maritime operations in the area, even as the primary focus remains on the contested status of the South China Sea and the responses from China’s armed forces. The Tallinn reference serves to illustrate how defense engagements around the world sometimes intersect with incidents at sea and influence perceptions among regional and global observers. The note is presented to show how defense diplomacy connects with maritime operations in this region.