China warns U.S. to keep out
Navy warship sails near islands in disputed waters
WASHINGTON The Chinese government warned on Wednesday that it will protect its sovereignty in the South China Sea after a cat-and-mouse pursuit of a U.S. warship by a Chinese frigate.
“The Chinese side will take resolute measures to safeguard national sovereignty and safety. We will keep an eye on the situation in relevant waters and airspace and respond to any violation of China’s sovereignty,” said Hua Chunying, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.
Her warning came after the USS Fort Worth, an advanced Navy warship, sailed through the South China Sea on Monday near islands China is building to extend its territorial claims. The United States considers the area to be international waters.
The Pentagon has chosen not to fly over or sail near the new islands on routine patrols, a De- fense Department official not authorized to speak publicly said on condition of anonymity. Discussions are underway about whether to change that policy, but there has been no written directive to do so, the official said.
Army Col. Steve Warren declined to offer details about how the military will treat the islands. The Pentagon, he said, “is a planning organization, and it is our job to provide our leadership with options. What I can say is that we have and will continue to operate in a manner consistent with the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the air and sea.”
“We are deeply concerned about the U.S. remarks,” Hua said. China “advocates the freedom of navigation ... yet the freedom definitely does not mean that foreign military vessels ... can enter one country’s territorial waters and airspace at will.” The White House said the waters in question aren’t recognized as Chinese territory.