China condemns ‘illegal trespassing’
Military and diplomatic channels continue to grapple with the latest maritime actions in the South China Sea, where a United States destroyer conducted a freedom of navigation operation near Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands. Officials stated the mission was carried out to uphold navigation rights under international law, echoing long‑standing U.S. policy that ships of all nations may exercise freedom of the seas in accordance with customary international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The operation occurred within a close proximity to Mischief Reef, staying outside the immediate territorial waters, and the ship reportedly left the area after completing the maneuver.
The U.S. Seventh Fleet summarized the event by noting that the vessel moved from the operation area and continued its scheduled duties, emphasizing that joint voyages within twelve nautical miles of Mischief Reef can be conducted safely under international rules. This statement reaffirmed Washington’s position that such activities are legal and consistent with the rights afforded by the sea-lane regime and international law, including the freedom to navigate and fly over international waters.
American officials also stressed the importance of keeping sea routes open for commercial shipping and aviation, arguing that unrestricted access to the seas supports global trade and economic opportunity for coastal nations. This stance aligns with long-standing support for UNCLOS norms, which are viewed as the framework that guarantees maritime rights to all nations, regardless of size or claim to territory. Critics of the move warned that unfettered shipping movements might spark regional tensions, calling attention to the potential for miscalculation in a contested maritime zone.
Washington has repeatedly argued that broad claims to sea space should not surpass what international law permits. The United States has asserted that every nation retains certain freedoms, including navigation and overflight, and that any overreach by some states should be checked to preserve orderly access to the oceans for all. In this context, U.S. officials indicated that the rights and freedoms of the sea are not negotiable and must be respected by all members of the international community. The dialogue surrounding these issues reflects broader debates about balance, sovereignty, and lawful use of maritime zones in a highly strategic region.
China condemns ‘illegal trespassing’
In response, Chinese authorities described the U.S. actions as an intrusion into waters near Mischief Reef without Beijing’s consent. A spokesperson for China’s Southern Theater Command labeled the destroyer’s entry as illegal and asserted that China maintains sovereignty over the islands and adjacent waters in the South China Sea. The statement also stressed that combat troops remain ready to uphold peace and stability, as well as sovereignty and national security, in the area. The official account conveyed a firm stance on territorial claims and the expectation that foreign military activities within the region would be conducted with due regard to China’s claims and regional security interests.