Water Wars: Known Unknowns in the South China Sea

May 13, 2016 | Chris Mirasola
View Original

The USS William Lawrence conducted a Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross Reef on Tuesday, May 10^th. Chinese-controlled Fiery Cross Reef is home to a 10,000-foot runway and substantial military and civilian infrastructure. Last month, Chinese military aircraft landed at Fiery Cross Reef and General Fan Chanlong, vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission, visited the reef’s facilities. China responded to this week’s FONOP by scrambling two fighter jets and directing three warships to tail the USS Lawrence. This is the third FONOP conducted by the US Navy in the South China Sea since consistent exercises began in 2015.

Chinese officials were quick to condemn the US and promised strong countermeasures. PLA Spokesperson Col. Yang Yujun called the “unauthorized illegal entry into Chinese waters near China’s Nansha (Spratly) island by the U.S. warships and warplanes . . . . a serious provocation.” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang also condemned the US for “waving the banner of navigation and overflight freedom and flexing its muscles in the South China Sea.” A day later, the Ministry of National Defense responded by announcing increased maritime and air patrols as well as construction of “various defense capabilities” in the South China Sea. Taiwan, on the other hand, struck a more conciliatory note. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it was “paying close attention” to the situation and reiterated Taiwan’s “rights to these island groups and their surrounding waters.”