China’s military has expelled the U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins after it allegedly entered the country’s territorial waters near Huangyan Dao without authorisation.
According to Senior Captain He Tiecheng, spokesperson for the navy of the PLA Southern Theatre Command, Chinese naval forces were mobilised to track, monitor, issue warnings, and drive the vessel away following laws and regulations.
Beijing condemned the move as a serious violation of China’s sovereignty and security, accusing Washington of undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea and breaching both international law and the basic norms of international relations.
The PLA Southern Theatre Command reaffirmed that its naval forces remain on high alert and will take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and regional stability.
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