China Threatens ‘Serious Consequences’ After US Warship Sails by Contested Paracel Islands

China threatened the U.S. Navy on Friday with “serious consequences” after a warship passed through the South China Sea near the contested Paracel Islands.

For the second day in a row, Beijing accused the U.S. of violating the sovereignty and security of the island, which it currently occupies but which Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim over.

The U.S. rejected China’s accusations and said its passage through the waters is permitted under international law and falls under a “freedom of navigation operation” – which challenges attempted restrictions by all three nations to enforce a policy of permission or advanced notice by any military vessel before it can pass by.

“Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations,” spokesperson Lt. j.g. Luka Bakic for the U.S. 7th Fleet said in a statement.

“The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant,” he added. (Read more from “China Threatens ‘Serious Consequences’ After US Warship Sails by Contested Paracel Islands” HERE)

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