Chinese navy sent to confront USS Chancellorsville in latest South China Sea stand-off
- Latest confrontation in disputed waters comes weeks after two warships nearly collided
China said on Saturday it had deployed its naval forces to warn off a US warship sailing through disputed waters in the South China Sea.
A statement released by the Southern Theatre Command said the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville had entered the waters around the Paracel Islands on Wednesday without the approval of the Chinese government.
“The Southern Theatre Command organised navy and air forces to monitor the US vessel, and gave warning for it to leave,” the statement said.
“The theatre command will continue close monitoring of the air and sea conditions to prevent the happening of events that poses a threat to national security.”
US sends warship to South China Sea to challenge ‘excessive’ claims
The statement called on the United States to properly manage its navy and air fleet to avoid miscalculations.