China Condemns US Destroyer’s Intrusion into Territorial Waters

In a recent statement, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, addressed a media inquiry concerning the US Navy destroyer Higgins' reported unauthorized intrusion into the territorial waters surrounding Huangyan Dao. This area is considered an inherent part of China's territory, and Jiang outlined China's strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the actions of the US, emphasizing that a formal complaint has been made to the United States.

The incident involved the US destroyer entering Chinese waters without official authorization, which Jiang criticized as a serious violation of China's territorial sovereignty and a threat to national security. He indicated that such actions undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea and disregarded international law as well as essential guidelines governing international relations. Jiang called on the US to exercise restraint regarding its military forces and to cease any provocative operations against China. He affirmed that the Chinese military is on heightened alert to protect national sovereignty and security while striving to maintain regional peace and stability.