He added that the operation was a provocation to China, Taiwan and Vietnam, who according to the US are trying to limit the rights and freedom of navigation.
“An incursion by a US warship in Chinese territorial waters on Saturday is the latest attempt by Washington to return tension to the South China Sea and encourage more regional stakeholders to challenge China,” wrote China Daily.
Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said that the situation was stabilizing before the latest outspoken remarks and intrusion by Washington. One of the US’ goals is to bring back tension in the region.
“In the long run, Washington still defines the South China Sea issue as a tool to contain China,” Zhang added.
“According to the relevant provision of Law of the People’s Republic of China, any foreign warships entering the territorial waters of China must obtain permission from the Chinese Government,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry reported Hua Chunying as saying.
On Wednesday, the head of the Pacific Command US Navy Admiral Garry Harris said that the US insisted on the need to respect international rules of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
China and some countries in the region — Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines disagree over maritime boundaries and areas of responsibility in the South China and East China seas. China believes that a number of countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam consciously have used US support to escalate tensions in the region.
