China condemns US warship's passage near disputed islands in South China Sea

China has strongly condemned US warship’s passage near disputed artificial islands in the South China Sea spiraling tensions between both nations.
On 22 October 2015, guided missile destroyer USS Lassen had entered the 12-nautical mile zone claimed by China around Zhubi reefs in the Spratly archipelago in South China Sea.
China is claiming its full sovereignty over these disputed islands and its adjacent waters in South China Sea.

• China’s Argument: Patrolling and non-permitted entry of US Ship in Spratly archipelago has threatened its sovereignty and security interests and also harmed the regional peace and stability.
• US Argument: The warship has entered in this region as it is having right of freedom of navigation in international waters and does not require any prior permission.

It is said that the US warship had undertaken this patrolling operation as part of its Freedom of Navigation programme aimed at challenging China’s claims over the artificial islands created in this disputed waters.
Background of Disputes in South China Sea

• Disputes in South China Sea is fight mainly between China, Philippines, Vietnam over the  territory and sovereignty of Spratly and Parcels islands in South China Sea along with other atolls, reefs and rocky outcrops.
• Importance of these islands: They are strategically located in South China Sea which is major international shipping route as world’s half merchant ships passes through it.
• They are also having reserves of natural resources around them including petroleum.
• China’s claim: It is saying that major portion of these islands belong to them as part of the historical events and area defined by Nine Dash Line.
• Under its claim, China already has started and even completed building artificial islands and even strategic runways for mobilising its airforce from these islands.
• India’s position: Explicitly supports and believes in international laws and arbitration process for resolving the disputes for regional stability.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2015