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| Image: Flickr User - Greg Bishop |
China will have no choice but to allow US warships to pass unmolested through disputed territorial waters in the South China Sea, according to a commentary published in Mingjing News, a news portal run by overseas Chinese.
American military officials recently indicated that US ships and aircraft would be sent to disputed waters in the South China Sea, with reports indicating that the US plans to conduct naval patrols within 12 nautical miles of China's manmade islands in the region. Under international law, territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from the coast.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying responded to the reports by stating: "The Chinese side always respects and stands up for the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and other major international passages all countries are entitled to under international law."
"However, we firmly oppose any country using the freedom of navigation and overflight as an excuse to undermine other countries' sovereignty and security. We urge the US side to work with China and play a responsible and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability of the South China Sea," she added.
Read the full story at Want China Times