China Claims to “Drive Away” US Destroyer: Critics Skeptical
On Wednesday, China’s military reported it “drove away” a U.S. destroyer that sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, while the U.S. Navy maintained its actions were within international law. This incident followed the Philippines’ accusation of Chinese vessels’ dangerous actions around the atoll. The Chinese military condemned the U.S. action as a violation of its sovereignty, while the U.S. asserted its right to freedom of navigation. The Scarborough Shoal remains a significant point of contention in the region, and these events highlight ongoing tensions over the South China Sea.
John Q. Hosedrinker