The Ministry of National Defense responded to the US warships invading the territorial waters of the Paracels without permission: China's territorial waters do not allow US warships to run amok

On January 20, the US guided-missile destroyer "Benford" illegally entered the territorial waters and inland waters of China's Paracel Islands without the approval of the Chinese government. Chinese the southern theater of the People's Liberation Army organized naval and air forces to track and monitor the US warships and warn them to drive away, and the Chinese army expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the US actions.

In accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone, the Chinese Government promulgated the territorial sea baseline of the Paracel Islands in 1996 and made clear provisions on matters relating to the entry of foreign warships into China's territorial waters. The US action is not at all the "freedom of navigation" it claims, but a serious provocation that violates China's sovereignty and endangers peace and stability in the South China Sea.

We demand that the US side have a clear understanding of the situation and stop provocations. China's territorial waters do not allow US warships to run amok. The Chinese armed forces will take all necessary measures to deal with all threats and provocations, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security, and firmly safeguard regional peace and stability.