China deploys warships and aircraft as US warship enters South China Sea

The Chinese military immediately responded, calling the US action "illegal" when it sent warships close to islands that China unilaterally claimed sovereignty over in the East Sea.

The destroyer USS Higgins. Photo: Getty Images

The announcement from the Chinese Ministry of Defense stated: “On May 27, two US warships, the cruise missile cruiser Antiem and the destroyer USS Higgins, entered the 12-nautical mile area around a series of islands in the East Sea.”

“The Chinese military immediately took action, deploying warships and aircraft to identify and warn the US ships,” said Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian.

The US move comes at a “sensitive” time as the US last week withdrew its invitation for China to participate in the multinational naval exercise (RIMPAC). Meanwhile, tensions between the two sides continue over trade and foreign policy issues.

China said the US action was "provocative and arbitrary" and eroded strategic trust between the two militaries.

According to Reuters, the US warships approaching Cay, Lincon, Tri Ton and Phu Lam islands in the Paracel Islands (of Vietnam - Ed.) is the latest US effort to protest China's restrictions on freedom of movement in this strategically important area. For the US, freedom of navigation patrols are also a measure to counter China's increasing influence in the East Sea.

The US Department of Defense's withdrawal of China's invitation to participate in the RIMPAC exercise is a clear message to China regarding its actions in the East Sea.

“China’s continued militarization of disputed waters in the South China Sea will only increase tensions and destabilize the region,” said US Defense Department spokesman Christopher Logan.

The US-China tensions are not just about military presence in the South China Sea. The US is protesting China over the trade imbalance between the two countries as Washington and Beijing continue to negotiate to avoid a full-blown trade war.

In another development, US President Donald Trump said last week that China and North Korea have informal cross-border trade routes. According to the US President, he has received reports showing that Chinese companies continue to increase their business activities with North Korea despite international sanctions./.