The Paracels Islands are claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan. (Representative)
Washington DC .:
Challenging Beijing’s claims in the highly contested South China Sea, the US naval destroyer US-class Arleigh Burke Arleigh Burke sailed near Paracel Islands on Thursday (local time), CNN reported.
“On May 28 (local time), the USS Mustin (DDG 89) asserted the rights and freedoms of navigation in the Paracels Islands, in accordance with international law,” said Lt. Anthony Junco, spokesman for the 7th Fleet the U.S. Navy, in a statement.
“By conducting this operation, the United States has demonstrated that these waters exceed what China can legally claim as its territorial sea,” the statement added.
The Paracels Islands are claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan.
The move comes amid growing tensions between two countries on a range of issues, including the coronavirus pandemic, with the United States criticizing China for the global spread of the coronavirus.
China’s decision to impose a controversial national security law in Hong Kong has also come under heavy criticism from the United States and its allies.
On Thursday, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over China’s decision to impose legislation on Hong Kong, saying the move would undermine the framework ” one country, two systems “and is in” direct conflict “with its international obligations under the principles of the joint Sino-British declaration legally binding and registered with the United Nations.
The Mustin passed less than 12 nautical miles from Woody Island and Pyramid Rock in the islands, according to the report, citing a US Navy official.
