Chinese Navy “Expels” U.S. Destroyer in South China Sea Standoff

The Chinese military accused the United States of violating its sovereignty on August 13 after the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Higgins entered what Beijing calls its territorial waters near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

Senior Captain He Tiecheng, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, said the USS Higgins “illegally entered China’s territorial waters around Huangyan Island without authorization from the Chinese government.” He stated that Chinese naval forces tracked, monitored, warned, and expelled the vessel “in accordance with laws and regulations.”

“The U.S. military’s actions severely infringed upon China’s sovereignty and security, undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, and contravened international law and the basic norms governing international relations,” he said.

The incident came less than two days after a collision was reported between a Chinese coastguard vessel and a PLA Navy destroyer while pursuing a Philippine coastguard ship near the shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines. Manila released video footage claiming the Chinese coastguard vessel suffered major bow damage in the encounter. Beijing has not confirmed a collision but said the Chinese coastguard acted “professionally” and expelled the Philippine vessel.

Scarborough Shoal is claimed by China, the Philippines, and Taiwan, and has been a flashpoint for repeated maritime confrontations. The U.S. has increased naval patrols in the South China Sea in recent years, though direct transits near disputed islands remain uncommon. A similar operation last occurred in 2022 when the USS Benfold sailed near the Paracel Islands.

The U.S. military has not commented on the USS Higgins’ reported movements. The destroyer typically operates in the western Pacific and has previously transited the Taiwan Strait alongside allied vessels.

Tensions between Beijing and Manila have escalated, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr vowing on Monday to maintain his country’s maritime presence. “We will continue to defend our territory. We will continue to exercise our sovereign rights,” Marcos said.

China has recently warned the Philippines against closer defense cooperation with Washington and Taipei. Manila has expanded military ties with the U.S., including hosting new missile and drone deployments, while signaling stronger links with Taiwan.