China Expels US Missile Destroyer From South China Sea

Kapal Amerika Serikat USS Curtis Wilbur. (Wikimedia Commons/U.S Navy/Photographer's Mate Airman Dustin Howell)

JAKARTA - Chinese security authorities announced they have successfully expelled a United States warship illegally claimed entered its territory Thursday, May 20.

In a statement, China's military Southern Theater Command said the USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) entered waters near Paracel Island in the South China Sea that belonged to their territory without permission.

"Our ships and aircraft followed the US warship and expelled it. China opposes US actions that violate sovereignty, undermine regional peace and stability", China's Military Southern Theater Command said in a statement, as reported by Reuters Thursday, May 20.

However, the US Navy's 7th Fleet said it 'asserts the right of navigation and freedom' near the Paracel Islands, where China, Taiwan, and Vietnam all claim its sovereignty.

"China's military comments about the mission were wrong. The USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) was not 'expelled' from any country's territory", the US Navy said.

"The USS Curtis Wilbur conducted Operation Freedom of Navigation (FONOP), this is by international law and then resumes normal operations in international waters", the Ministry continued.

To note, tensions between China and Taiwan have increased in recent months, along with the presence of warships and fighter jets belonging to China near Taiwanese territory.

Early last month, China sent the Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Combat Group to hold drills near Taiwanese waters. A week later, 15 Chinese aircraft, including 12 warplanes approached Taiwan's air defense zone.

The Chinese navy said it was sending the Liaoning Aircraft Carrier, the first aircraft carrier in China's military ranks, to conduct exercises to protect China's sovereignty in those waters.

In response, the Missile Destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) four times docked in the Taiwan Strait during February - April. Despite criticism from China, the United States will continue to present its military in the region.