The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command Navy (STCN) stated that the US littoral combat ship USS Charleston intruded early Tuesday into waters near the reef without permission from the Chinese government.

The military institution noted that its forces acted in accordance with laws and regulations to track and monitor the vessel’s movements.

The statement affirmed that China possesses sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, the local name for the Spratly archipelago, and their adjacent waters.

It accused the United States of violating Beijing’s sovereign rights and interests, jeopardizing maritime security, and endangering regional peace and stability.

The STCN urged Washington to cease those activities immediately, affirming that its forces remain on high alert to defend national sovereignty and security.

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