A US destroyer has entered the waters around the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, according to the Chinese military. The guided missile destroyer Milius illegally entered China’s territorial waters without government approval, undermining peace and stability in the busy waterway, the military said on Thursday.
“The armed forces will remain on high alert at all times and take all necessary measures to resolutely protect national sovereignty and security, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea,” said Tian Junli, a spokesman for the Chinese command. The US has strengthened its Asia-Pacific alliances to counter China’s claim in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.