Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

The United States Navy warship has sailed into the disputed South China Sea, what China called it as a “provocation” as the US officials is about to hold a talk session in Beijing during a ceasefire in a much bitter trade war.

In an official statement, Pacific Fleet spokesperson Rachel McMarr said the US guided-missile destroyer, the USS McCampbell, sailed within 12 nautical miles of Paracel Island chain to carry out a “freedom of navigation” operation, “to challenge excessive maritime claims”.

The spokesperson said the operation carried out was not suppose for any one country or to make any political statement.

McMarr’s statement came as China and the US were underway for a trade talks in Beijing, the very first round of face-to-face talk session since both the countries decided to a 90-day truce in their trade war that has affected severely the international markets.

According to news reports, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said the move of the US ship has violated the international law of China, and China had also lodged “stern representations”.

The spokesperson said, “We urge the United States to immediately cease this kind of provocation,” adding that China had recently sent its military aircrafts and warships to identify them and warn off the US naval ships.

When asked Lu about details of the operation during their trade talks, Lu said with resolving these issues, it would provide benefits to both the sides and also world.

Lu said: “Both sides have the responsibility to create the necessary positive atmosphere for this.”

China lashed out on the US and its allies for conducting “freedom of navigation” naval operations near South China Sea and Chinese-occupied islands.

Taiwan, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also claimed in their respective region.

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