by Aaron-Matthew Lariosa
[USNInews] USS Charleston (LCS-18) was tracked by Chinese forces on Tuesday after the ship “illegally intruded” into the area surrounding a contested South China Sea maritime feature, according to Beijing.
Chinese forces were dispatched to monitor the Independence-class LCS near Sabina Shoal early Tuesday, the PLA said. China claims the maritime feature under its 10-Dash Line territorial assertion.
“The U.S. action infringes upon China’s sovereign rights and interests, jeopardizes maritime security, and is detrimental to regional peace and stability. The U.S. side should immediately cease such activities. Forces of the STC remain on high alert at all times to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and uphold regional peace and stability,” the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said in a statement.
The PLA Navy, China Coast Guard cutters and China Maritime Militia vessels have maintained Beijing’s presence at Sabina Shoal since a 2024 standoff with Manila. These operations are sustained by a large forward-deployed Chinese force in the Spratly Islands, which is host to several reclaimed land bases with air fields, ports, sensors and anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile systems.
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