Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10) — The United States Navy said that its guided-missile destroyer USS Milius sailed through the disputed South China Sea, asserting ‘freedom of navigation’ in the area.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius passed through the vicinity of Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef) which is part of the Spratly Islands (Kalayaan Group of Islands).
The US Navy added that the USS Milius asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands and was “consistent with international law.”
“This freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea. USS Milius demonstrated that Mischief Reef, a low-tide elevation in its natural state, is not entitled to a territorial sea under international law,” the US Navy 7th Fleet said in a statement on Monday.
The US Navy also slammed unlawful claims in the South China Sea.
“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,” it added.
The US also challenged the excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the \”identity of the claimant.\”
“No member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms,” the US Navy said.
The US Navy announcement came after China’s military simulated precision attacks against key targets in Taiwan.
China called the USS Milius mission “illegal trespassing.”
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said in a statement that it has organized naval and air forces to monitor and track the USS Milius.
In a statement reported by Chinese state media, Beijing said the US warship trespassed into the waters of China’s Meiji Reef or Nansha islands.
This is not the first time that a US warship conducted freedom of navigation operation in the South China Sea.
Last month, the same US warship sailed through the waters off Paracel Islands in the South China Sea which also prompted a strong reaction from Beijing.
