USA still in the South China Sea

The United States will not be deterred from allowing its naval vessels to sail freely through the South China Sea. The most recent example is the USS "Russell" (DDG 59), which passed through the waters around the Spratly Islands on 17 February. None of the neighbouring countries had been informed or asked for permission beforehand. America is thus not only taking a stand against China, but also explicitly against Vietnam and Taiwan. Each of the three countries claims the Spratly Islands as their own and requires warships travelling through to notify them in advance. In addition to these three nations, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines have also registered claims to all or part of the islands. However, they do not require information about the passage of warships. Under the name Fonops (Fredom of Navigation Operation), the USA repeatedly carries out such peaceful transits in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. This happens despite China's increasingly aggressive behaviour in the region. The country claims almost the entire South China Sea as territorial waters.

Text: mb; Photo: US Navy