China has accused the U.S. military of making an unauthorized entry into waters near a contested shoal in the South China Sea, prompting Beijing to deploy its own forces to monitor a Navy vessel. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over territorial claims, with China asserting sovereignty over roughly 90 percent of the strategically vital waterway—a position that has sparked disputes with neighboring countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The move underscores the escalating military activity in the region as competing interests clash over navigation rights and resource-rich waters. The development raises questions about whether the standoff could further destabilize an already volatile area.
China on Tuesday accused the U.S. military of “illegally” entering waters around a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, saying it had sent its own forces to watch a Navy ship. China has claimed roughly 90 percent of the South China Sea as its own territory, leading to disputes with the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam...
