The USS Charleston has come under fire from China’s Southern Theater Command Navy for allegedly trespassing into contested waters near Sabina Shoal. (Pic Credit: Reuters)
China’s southern theater command navy on Tuesday alleged that a US littoral combat ship had entered waters near Sabina Shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands without Beijing’s consent, describing the move as a threat to maritime security.The Chinese navy said it had sent forces to keep watch on the USS Charleston and monitor its movements. It claimed the vessel’s presence infringed on China’s sovereign rights and posed a risk to peace and stability in the region, according to the news agency Reuters.China and the Philippines both claim sovereignty over Sabina Shoal and the wider spratly islands archipelago. The Philippines has a mutual defence treaty with the United States.The US Navy had not immediately responded to a request for comment.