China’s Southern Theater Command Navy on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) accused a U.S. littoral combat ship of jeopardising maritime security by “illegally” entering waters near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands without approval from Beijing.
The Chinese Navy dispatched forces to track and monitor the USS Charleston, and said the U.S. action not only infringes on China’s sovereign rights but was also detrimental to regional peace and stability.
China and the Philippines, which shares a mutual defence treaty with the U.S., both contest sovereignty over Sabina Shoal and the entire Spratly Islands archipelago.
The U.S. Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Published - October 20, 2026 11:27 am IST