BEIJING, China (AFP) — China’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday (February 21) it opposes actions by other countries under the pretext of freedom of navigation that damage its sovereignty, after a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group began patrols in the contested South China Sea.
The U.S. navy said the strike group, including Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, began routine operations in the South China Sea on Saturday (February 18) amid growing tensions with China over control of the disputed waterway.
“China always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight all countries enjoy under international law, but we are consistently opposed to the relevant countries threatening and damaging the sovereignty and security of littoral countries under the flag of freedom of navigation and overflight. We hope the relevant countries can do more to safeguard regional peace and stability,” ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a daily news briefing.
Friction between the United States and China over trade and territory under U.S. President Donald Trump have increased concerns that the South China Sea could become a flashpoint.
China wrapped up its own naval exercises in the South China Sea on Friday (February 17). War games involving its own aircraft carrier have unnerved neighbours with which it has long-running territorial disputes.
Beijing last week warned Washington against challenging its sovereignty in the South China Sea. It claims almost all of the resource-rich waters, through which about $5 trillion worth of trade passes each year.
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim parts of the South China Sea that command strategic sea lanes and have rich fishing grounds, along with oil and gas deposits.
The United States has criticised Beijing’s construction of man-made islands and build-up of military facilities in the sea, and expressed concern they could be used to restrict free movement.
Foreign ministers of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Tuesday expressed concern over what they see as militarisation in the South China Sea, Philippines Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said after meeting with his ASEAN counterparts.
