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US warship cruises near China outpost in West Philippine Sea

- April 14, 2023
US warship cruises near China outpost in West Philippine Sea
A US warship recently sailed near a Chinese outpost in the West Philippine Sea in what is seen as a show of force by the US to assert its freedom of navigation rights in the disputed waters. According to reports, the USS Curtis Wilbur, a guided-missile destroyer, conducted the operation within 12 nautical miles of a Chinese installation on Mischief Reef, which China claims as part of its territory.

The West Philippine Sea is a hotly contested area that is also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan due to its abundance of natural resources, including oil and gas. China has been increasingly assertive in its territorial claims in the region, and the US has been conducting freedom of navigation operations to challenge these claims and promote freedom of the seas. China, on the other hand, has accused the US of interference in its territorial disputes.

To counter China’s influence in the region, the US has been building alliances with other countries in the area, including the Philippines. Amid growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines has recently reaffirmed its alliance with the US.

The US-China relationship has been strained in recent years due to trade tensions, human rights issues, and territorial disputes. The Biden administration has indicated that it will take a tough stance on China’s actions in the region while also seeking to engage with China on areas of mutual interest.

The recent US warship operation is likely to escalate tensions between the two countries further and raises concerns about the potential for a military confrontation in the West Philippine Sea. Despite this, the US remains committed to asserting its freedom of navigation rights in the region and promoting peace and stability in the area.